What you want v What the major parties want > Today’s issue: NT euthanasia laws
WHAT you, the voter, wants v What the major parties want. Today’s issue: NT EUTHANASIA LAWS. Find out what the parties’ stances on voluntary assisted dying laws are, and then tell us what you think. VOTE IN OUR POLL >>
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THE NT election next week is shaping up to be one of the tightest races on record.
The three major parties — Labor, the CLP and Territory Alliance — have revealed some of their policies in the run-up to polling day, but they are yet to reveal where they stand on many issues.
The NT News online site, ntnews.com.au, will help fill in some of the gaps for you by asking each of the parties where they stand on one particular issue — one that Territorians have had strong opinions on in the past — each day until the election,
What you want v What the major parties want > The issue: Open speed limits
What you want v What the major parties want > The issue: The BDR
We will also ask you, our readers, the same question so that you can voice your own opinion on the matter in online poll to gauge how the parties think compared to how the average voter thinks.
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Today’s topic: NT EUTHANASIA LAWS
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ALP
Q. It has been over a year since voluntary assisted dying (euthanasia) became legal in Victoria (and nearly 25 years since euthanasia was first legalised in the NT). Is Labor in favour or re-introducing euthanasia laws in the NT?
A. Labor believes this should be a matter for Territorians to decide on, not Canberra politicians.
After the Victorian legislation was passed, we wrote to the Federal Government requesting the that Section 50A ofthe Northern Territory (Self Government) Act be repealed, so Territory legislation cannot be overturned.
Q. Explain Labor’s policy on legalising assisted dying in the Territory.
A. Voluntary assisted dying legislation is not possible in the Territory due to the Commonwealth’s position.
We want the Federal Government to repeal its powers in this area so that Territorians have the opportunity to determine this important issue for themselves.
Q. If Labor is in favour of legalising assisted dying in the Territory in some form, how soon will it commit to starting the process to legalise it again after taking power?
A. The Territory Government has repeatedly called on the Federal Government to stop denying Territorians the right to pass laws that are important to them. This issue can only be progressed once the Federal Government removes its powers under the Northern Territory (Self Government) Act.
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CLP
Q. It has been over a year since voluntary assisted dying (euthanasia) became legal in Victoria (and nearly 25 years since euthanasia was first legalised in the NT). Is Labor in favour or re-introducing euthanasia laws in the NT?
A. Voluntary assisted dying is a matter the Northern Territory Parliament should have the power to determine, not the Commonwealth.
Q. Explain the CLP’s policy on legalising assisted dying in the Territory
A. Voluntary assisted dying is a complex and sensitive issue that the CLP strongly believes should be a matter for the Territory Parliament to determine.
The states are able to make their own laws in this space and there’s no legitimate reason why the Commonwealth should be able to interfere against the decisions of our own Parliament on this issue.
It’s unjust that the Territory Parliament’s will has been reversed on euthanasia in the past.
Q. If the CLP is in favour of legalising assisted dying in the Territory in some form, how soon will it commit to starting the process to legalise it again after taking power?
A. (No answer)
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TERRITORY ALLIANCE
Q. It has been over a year since voluntary assisted dying (euthanasia) became legal in Victoria (and nearly 25 years since euthanasia was first legalised in the NT). Is Territory Alliance in favour or re-introducing euthanasia laws in the NT?
A. Conscience vote (no party policy position)
Q. Explain Territory Alliance’s policy on legalising assisted dying in the Territory.
A. Territory Alliance respects that euthanasia is a matter that is subject to a conscience vote of members of parliament.
Therefore there is no party policy position as we respect is a matter for each MLA to determine their view which can include community consultation.
Q. If Territory Alliance is in favour of legalising assisted dying in the Territory in some form, how soon will it commit to starting the process to legalise it again after taking power?
A. Not applicable
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BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK? VOTE IN OUR POLL NOW!
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