Victoria could become the first state in Australia to legalise euthanasia

A BILL to legalise euthanasia is on the horizon in Victoria. It means, among other things, patients will administer the drug themselves.

Euthanasia could be legalised in Victoria. Picture: iStock

A CONTROVERSIAL bill to legalise euthanasia will be introduced into Victorian parliament in the second half of 2017.

Premier Daniel Andrews was previously against euthanasia, but is now keen to support it after watching his father suffer through a long battle with cancer.

“That gives you reason to reassess whether you have got this right and, for my part, my (previous) opposition to these laws was wrong,” Mr Andrews told reporters in Melbourne.

“My position has changed. Subject to the appropriate safeguards, subject to a good bill being put forward ... I intend to vote for that bill.”

Patients who are terminally ill seeking euthanasia will have to go through three steps.

According to Seven News, patients must first request to be euthanised without coercion.

They are required to put the request in writing twice before verbally asking to be prescribed with a lethal dose.

Two doctors will then review the request and will prescribe the lethal medication if they approve it.

Patients then have to administer the dose themselves.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews changed his stance on euthanasia. Picture: Josie Hayden

Mr Andrews says an expert panel of clinical, legal, consumer and health experts will advise the government on drafting the legislation.

“We are doing the work to make sure that everyone in the Victorian parliament has the information, and assurances, they need to make an informed decision about this important issue,” Mr Andrews said in a statement on Thursday.

The premier said Labor MPs would be allowed to vote on the bill according to their conscience.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy has previously made it clear coalition MPs would also be granted a conscience vote.

Mr Andrews hopes the debate will demonstrate the Victorian parliament “at its best”.

“It is my expectation that this be a respectful debate, that this be a debate of patience and grace, a debate of inclusion, a debate of diverse views but common conduct,” the Labor leader said.

A cross-party parliamentary committee in June called for limited voluntary euthanasia to be introduced in Victoria.

The Australian Medical Association opposes the move and wants an “opt-out” option for doctors if legislation is passed so practitioners who morally object aren’t forced to help patients die.

However, Victorian branch president Lorraine Baker this week acknowledged community attitudes on assisted dying had changed and she said the AMA wanted to be involved in the development of any bill.

— with AAP