Voluntary assisted dying laws pass 61-30 in Qld

Voluntary assisted dying will become legal in Queensland following a historic and emotional victory in State Parliament.

Voluntary assisted dying will become legal in Queensland following a historic and emotional victory in State Parliament.

Queensland MPs voted 61-30 to legalised assisted dying on Thursday evening.

From 2023 Queenslanders suffering a terminal illness that is expected to cause death within 12 months will be able to choose when to end their life. 

Clem Jones Trust chairman David Muir said there was an “overwhelming sense of relief” for terminally ill patients and their families.

MPs vote to approve voluntary assisted dying laws on Thursday evening. Picture: David Clark

“Terminally ill patients are the centrepiece of this legislation and their families too, this is for their benefit,” he said. 

“For many years polling in the community has shown this legislation and this issue is very popular with around 80 per cent approval.”

Deputy Opposition Leader David Janetzki attempted to amend the Bill, introducing 54 clauses including the provision to expand conscientious objection to include doctors and health practitioners.

All the amendments were defeated.

Labor MPs Joe Kelly, Linus Power and the Premier's Assistant Minister Bart Mellish will vote against voluntary assisted dying. 

Opposition MPs Michael Crandon and Mark Boothman supported the legislation along with eight of their LNP colleagues.