Politicking should not play into debate around euthanasia rights

If you ask anyone who has seen a loved one suffering for longer than they needed to in their last days of life, it is certain they will say giving Territorians end-of-life choices is not a matter to be taken lightly.

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IF you ask anyone who has seen a loved one have to suffer for much longer than they needed to in their last days of life, it is certain they will say that giving Territorians end-of-life choices is not a matter to be taken lightly.

It is also not a matter that can be used as a political football. That approach is just an insult to the people who have been fighting for Territorians to have their rights restored for years.

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Senator Sam McMahon has come forward with her own draft Bill aimed at repealing legislation that has prevented Australia’s territories from making their own legislative choices around voluntary assisted dying.

But this is not a new issue.

In fact, it is not even a new Bill.

Two federal Labor MPs, including the Territory’s own Solomon MP Luke Gosling, introduced an almost identical Bill back in 2018 that was swiftly shut down by Senator McMahon’s own party.

Instead of bringing forward her own Bill, perhaps Senator McMahon should join forces with those who have already been in the fight for years.

The most effective way we can make this happen is if everyone puts politics aside and works together.

It’s such an important issue to so many people, let’s just get it done without playing politics.

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