Confidence voluntary assisted dying legislation will pass despite government concerns

Critiques by government departments of proposed new voluntary assisted dying legislation has been circulated to MPs, but the politician introducing the Bill says he is confident the concerns raised can be addressed.

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ANALYSIS and critiques by government departments of proposed new voluntary assisted dying legislation has been circulated to MPs, but the politician introducing the Bill says he is confident the concerns raised can be addressed.

Premier Peter Gutwein last week wrote to Mersey MLC Mike Gaffney – who is introducing the Bill to the Legislative Council – with four pages featuring 33 dot points with issues about the legislation.

Mr Gutwein said the feedback was sent to inform individual MPs’ decision making.

Among concerns raised was that the legislation posed “significant risks” to patients and medical professionals, and that it needed to contain provisions that protect patients and restrict professional liability.

Premier and Climate Change Minister Peter Gutwein. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The analysis also questioned the implementation time frame of up to one year, saying government departments’ ability to implement the legislation would be affected by COVID-19 and associated resourcing issues.

Mr Gutwein said on Tuesday he had given Liberal members a conscience vote on the issue, and said the advice from government departments was about the “mechanics” of the Bill’s implementation, and not the merit of the policy.

“Members will make their own decisions on the floor of the house,’’ he said.

“I’ve made a decision that I’m going to refrain from commenting on the Bill itself until the debate [in Parliament].”

Mike Gaffney MLC for voluntary assisted dying bill tabled in the Tasmanian parliament. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Mr Gaffney said the Bill was 157 pages and to have 33 dot points asking for clarification was “not overly concerning”.

“I am thankful that the Premier has forwarded these concerns to me so that each can be addressed,’’ he said.

Greens Leader Cassy O’Connor said she was confident the issues raised in the advice could be clarified.

“None of them are insurmountable. None of them should be deal breakers,’’ she said.

The Bill is set to be debated in the Legislative Council from next week.

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