NT Labor starts process of developing Voluntary Assisted Dying private members Bill

Labor has promised a Private Member’s Bill to legislate Voluntary Assisted Dying in the Territory, attempting to force action from the government which remains staunchly mute on the topic.

NT Labor Opposition Leader Selena Uibo. Picture: Fia Walsh.

The Northern Territory Opposition has started the process of developing a Voluntary Assisted Dying private members Bill, in an attempt to force action from the government which remains mute on the topic amid another inquiry.

On Tuesday, Labor Leader Selena Uibo initiated the process of drafting a Private Member’s Bill to legislate Voluntary Assisted Dying in the Territory.

Once drafted, she said the Bill would be released for broad community consultation before returning to parliament for a conscience vote.

However with no drafting instructions or drafter secured, it is unclear how long the process will take.

“My team and I have heard loud and clear – Territorians want the same rights of choice with Voluntary Assisted Dying as every other Australian. We will deliver that,” Ms Uibo said.

“Unfortunately, I can’t give an exact timeline. I know this will further frustrate Territorians who have been calling for action on this very important and sensitive issue. What I can say is, if the CLP government was willing to do the work, this would happen much quicker.”

Ms Uibo said Labor was looking at the 2024 independent panel report on VAD in the Territory, and at legislative models interstate, particularly those in the ACT and South Australia.

“We’re asking for assistance from those jurisdictions, and we so far have been met with a very warm welcome and a helping hand around what ways we can move this forward from the opposition’s position,” she said.

Last week the CLP announced a parliamentary inquiry into VAD, arguing more consultation was needed – particularly with Aboriginal Territorians.

Ms Uibo said it was “disingenuous” for the CLP to cite the need for Aboriginal consultation, accusing the Chief Minister of “kicking the can down the road” and “gagging” her team on the issue.

Northern Territory Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby denied any gag order while refusing to state her position on VAD.

“I don’t want to go and put my thoughts onto Territorians,” she said.

“I’m still out consulting with my community, there are actually differing views right throughout my electorate.

“I can’t put my finger on one thing in terms of why they may not want it, but it is certainly something that’s not black and white in most people’s minds.

“Voluntary assisted dying is something that’s quite personal to many Territorians, and I think it’s very respectful to be able to have that conversation with them so they can put forward their views … we’ve got lots of remote areas that need to take that into consideration, and I think this is the right way forward.”

Speaking on the issue in parliament last week, Mulka MLA Yingiya Mark Guyula said VAD was “not a simple issue for Yolngu people”.

“Beliefs in our culture mean that voluntary assisted dying could create fear and blame throughout our communities,” he said.

“If someone dies early, there could be blame placed on the family that this has happened. There is also fear of the health system generally.”

Mr Guyula said he did not want to say what was right or wrong for another cultural group, but any NT laws ought to reflect cross-cultural perspectives on the issue.

“(If) there is silence coming from Aboriginal communities and leaders on this issue, this silence may be telling you that the fear attached to VAD is so great that people do not want to engage. This should be considered and understood as part of a consultation process,” he said.

Originally published as NT Labor starts process of developing Voluntary Assisted Dying private members Bill