NT government orders Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee inquiry into voluntary assisted dying

The CLP has ordered a parliamentary inquiry into Voluntary Assisted Dying, including instructions to prepare guidelines for creating laws if the committee recommends adopting the practice in the Northern Territory.

Independent Johnston MLA Justine Davis. Picture: Fia Walsh.

The CLP has ordered a parliamentary inquiry into voluntary assisted dying (VAD), including instructions to prepare guidelines for creating laws if the committee recommends adopting the practice in the Northern Territory.

Last year a major independent report into VAD recommended that the NT introduce legislation broadly consistent with that of other states and territories, but the Chief Minister has stalled on implementation, previously stating it was “not a priority” for her government.

On Wednesday Independent MLA Justine Davis brought a motion calling on parliament to adopt the recommendations of that report and to recognise the right for Territorians to end their lives on their own terms.

“This is not a theoretical debate, this is not just about politics,” Ms Davis said.

“This is about real people, real families and real suffering. It’s about Territorians who are asking us, pleading with us, to give them back a basic right – the right to die with dignity on their own terms.”

Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Pre-empting Ms Davis’ motion, Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby asked the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee to undertake an inquiry into the independent report.

The Australian Christian Lobby has taken the new inquiry as a win, with hopes more consultation will lead to the recommendation in support of VAD being overturned.

“We welcome the restart of this process and implore the committee to now consider the crucial threshold question – should the NT legislate assisted suicide at all?,” Australian Christian Lobby NT director Nicholas Lay said.

“It is also well known that there is a strong opposition in remote communities, yet the previous process failed to consult out bush. We welcome the new commitment to extensive regional and remote consultation.”

Ms Davis said she was optimistic the referral to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee was made in good faith, and that the committee’s narrow terms of reference were a positive step towards developing a Bill.

The committee has been asked to prepare a consolidated consultation paper, carry out more consultation, evaluate different VAD models and safeguards, identify any specific challenges associated with delivering VAD in the Territory, and, if the committee recommends adoption, provide drafting instructions for model legislation.

“I am proud to say that in response to my motion advocating for VAD in the NT, the government has now chosen to move forward and take action that reflects the overwhelming will of the people,” Ms Davis said.

“To all the Territorians who have fought for this for so long, and to those who have urged me to take action on their behalf — this is for you. I look forward to seeing the

outcomes of the work of the Legislative Council Advisory Committee, and to the restoration of this crucial right for the people of the Northern Territory.”

Robyn Lambley stepped down from the Speaker’s chair to contribute to the debate. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Independent member for Araluen Robyn Lambley took an uncommon break from her position as Speaker to contribute to the debate.

She said she felt personally uneasy about VAD, but recognised it was only a matter of time before the NT was brought in line with the rest of the country.

“I have grave concerns about it, but I do accept that all Australians apart from Territorians now have a right to voluntary assisted dying, so it is a fait accompli,” she said.

“I think that the amendment that the Attorney-General has proposed to do some more grassroots consultation is probably a good idea.”

Mrs Lambley said there were unique and specific challenges in the Territory that would require “a very unique and different model” for VAD, and warned it “could cost millions and millions of dollars every year”.

The committee’s report is due by the end of September.

Originally published as NT government orders Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee inquiry into voluntary assisted dying