Voluntary Assisted Dying laws: ‘Bill will end horrific suicides’

A former nurse has joined the growing chorus of Fraser Coast and Gympie campaigners begging Wide Bay MPs to show some humanity when the vote on the historic Voluntary Assisted Dying bill before Parliament this week, and for those who reject it to get the sack.

Fraser Coast voluntary assisted dying campaigner Phil Browne said the laws under debate at State parliament this week would put an end to ‘violently horrific suicides’ by terminally ill people if passed.

A politically controversial voluntary assisted dying bill being debated in State Parliament this week will allow terminally ill Queenslanders to avoid a nightmarish or violent death, a Fraser Coast campaigner has said.

Dying With Dignity Fraser Coast co-ordinator Phil Browne said if passed, the bill would provide a humane option for those who would otherwise be left with no option but to take their lives violently.

“There will be a compassionate option if they should choose it,” Mr Browne said.

The former registered nurse and paramedic, who has criticised the Queensland Government for dragging the chain on community sentiment, said the laws would not be compulsory and would include a number of safeguards.

People “must be terminally ill and have intolerable suffering”.

The laws would hopefully signal the end of “horrifically violent suicides”.

“It would then give that person a choice.”

A Queensland Parliamentary Committee recommended in August 2020 the legislation be passed.

Community polling has repeatedly shown that 70-90 per cent of Queensland residents support VAD laws.

Gympie VAD campaigner Denise Kapernick (left), pictured her father Barry Langbecker whom she said died a “nightmare” death, said any politicians voting against the bill in the face of “overwhelming” community support should lose their seat.

Politicians have been given a conscience vote on the bill.

Forty-seven “yes” votes are needed for it to pass; 43 politicians have so far confirmed their support.

Maryborough MP Bruce Saunders and Bundaberg MP Tom Smith are among the 43, while Gympie MP Tony Perrett is firmly against the law

Hervey Bay MP Adrian Tantari refuses to reveal which way he will vote.

Gympie MP Tony Perrett said he does not support the VAD bill.

Outspoken Gympie campaigner Denise Kapernick was succinct in her view, saying any elected official who defied the “overwhelming” public support for the bill should get the boot as soon as possible.

Mrs Kapernick was forced to watch her father Barry Langbecker die a “nightmare” death.

Mr Langbecker was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and Parkinson’s disease before suffering a debilitating stroke that completely paralysed his left side and “took away his will to live”.

He was bedridden for seven weeks and three days with “unmanageable” pain.

She said any politician who voted on their personal beliefs rather than the will of their people should be turfed out at the first opportunity.

Hervey Bay MP Adrian Tantari is in favour of the laws. (Image/Josh Woning)

“For any politician to still vote no, they’re not acting on their constituents’ behalf and should lose their seat,” Mrs Kapernick said.

She was buoyed by the State Government’s decision this week to refuse amendments after church groups raised concerns they would have little power to conscientiously object.

“Thankfully, the government has put the needs of the terminally ill over the needs of an institution,” Mrs Kapernick said.

On Tuesday, Mr Perrett reiterated his stance against the laws.

Maryborough MP Bruce Saunders has stated his support for the VAD bill numerous times.

“I made my views abundantly and publicly clear prior to last year’s election,” Mr Perrett said.

“I will be speaking about the matter in the Parliament this week.”

Bundaberg MP Tom Smith said his support for the laws as currently written had not wavered.

“It ultimately provides the compassion and care for those meeting the strict eligibility criteria, experiencing an intolerable and unbearable pain and suffering due to a terminal illness or neurodegenerative disease,” Mr Smith said.

Bundaberg MP Tom Smith said he will vote in favour of the laws as written.

“I do not believe that the bill requires amendments.”

Mr Tantari said he will support the laws.

Mr Saunders did not respond to questions on Tuesday but in a post shared on his Facebook page said he was voting in favour of the bill.

* The story has been updated to reflect Mr Tantari’s view on the proposed laws.