Balance of power MP backs Tasmania euthanasia inquiry, as Labor leader silent on conscience vote

A push for a public inquiry into Tasmania’s voluntary euthanasia bill is gaining momentum.

Independent balance of power MP Madeleine Ogilvie says she will back an inquiry into Tasmania’s voluntary assisted dying bill. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A push for a public inquiry into Tasmania’s voluntary euthanasia bill is gaining momentum, with balance of power independent Madeleine Ogilvie saying she will back the move.

The private members bill to legalise “voluntary assisted dying” is thought to have the numbers to ultimately pass both houses of state parliament, although this is not guaranteed.

Opponents are pushing amendments, to fully exempt faith-based hospitals and aged-care homes and boost safeguards for the vulnerable, as well as a delay pending a public inquiry.

The “End-of-Life Choices” bill, introduced by Legislative Council (upper house) MP Mike Gaffney, is expected to pass that chamber on Tuesday, leaving its fate with the lower house, or House of Assembly.

Ms Ogilvie said she would support a move — urged by Catholic Health Australia — for a thorough public inquiry into the bill.

“This is a complex area of law and policy, requiring deep consideration and open negotiation,” she said.

“Matters of conscience must be taken seriously. I would support an inquiry.

“I am a lawyer and a pragmatist. Any final legislation must have the genuine input of affected groups and the community. My personal focus is on protection of the vulnerable, provision of palliative care and legislating for advance care directives.”

Opponents of the bill, which would allow those with terminal conditions suffering “intolerably” to be administered a lethal substance, are hopeful an inquiry would be backed by some Liberals. Ben Smith, of anti-euthanasia group Live and Die Well, said the upper house debate had exposed a lack of adequate consultation with health and aged care professionals and organisations.

“During debate in the upper house there were clearly some areas that showed that there’d been a lack of consultation,” Mr Smith said.

“There have been some town-hall type meetings in February this year (held by Mr Gaffney), but that consultation was largely an echo-chamber with supporters of this legislation. People who have major reservations, their views haven’t really been taken into account as far as protection of the vulnerable is concerned.”

Mr Gaffney has rejected the need for an inquiry, saying all the issues had been well canvassed and that the safeguards — including a multistage approval process involving two doctors — were comprehensive.

The bill has in-principle support from all lower house Labor MPs, according to Opposition Leader Rebecca White, as well as the two Greens, while Liberal Speaker Sue Hickey has spoken highly of it.

This means the bill likely requires the support of just one Liberal MP or Ms Ogilvie to pass.

Liberal MPs, who have a conscience vote, have voted against past VAD bills. Several are thought to be supportive of the Gaffney bill but may want amendments or an inquiry.

Labor MPs have agreed to support the bill. The Australian understands this is to stop conflict between the dominant left faction — which demanded a binding vote in favour — and the party’s federal platform, which provides for conscience votes on such matters. Ms White declined to clarify whether Labor MPs had a conscience vote on the bill and any amendments.