Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill presented by Independent Mike Gaffney

The Upper House is set to conduct a marathon sitting this week to tackle euthanasia legislation, with hopes it can be put to a vote in the House of Assembly by the end of the year.

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TASMANIA’S Legislative Council could pass a euthanasia Bill this week, with hopes it can be put to a vote in the House of Assembly by the end of the year.

The End-of-Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill from Independent Mersey MLC Mike Gaffney has undergone intensive debate in recent weeks.

Independent MLC, Michael Gaffney. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The Legislative Council will hold a marathon sitting day on Tuesday in a bid to progress the Bill to a vote.

“The Members of the Upper House are to be congratulated on their recognition of the importance to the Tasmanian community of this significant legislation. On Tuesday 27th, the business of the Council will commence at a timeslot of 9am which is earlier than usual and will continue until 10pm,” Mr Gaffney said.

Following government business on Wednesdays and Thursdays, MLCs may vote to sit on Friday if needed to finalise the Bill.

“Whilst this decision is determined by the will of the House, from feedback I have received from Members it is more than likely that the VAD debate will continue at 9am, until a conclusion when a vote is taken on that day. It is conceivable that if the Bill is passed in the Upper House it could well be debated and finalised by the Lower House by mid–December,” Mr Gaffney said.

If the Bill passes the Legislative Council it will be presented in the House of Assembly’s next sitting week, starting November 10.

Lower House MPs will be allowed a conscience vote on the Bill.

Previous attempts at euthanasia legislation in 2009, 2013 and 2017 failed to pass the House of Assembly.