Death eventually comes knocking on everyone's door. We know we will die but the hope is we will have a painless death and that is far from guaranteed. New South Wales is now the only state that has rejected a voluntary euthanasia law and has no plan for a reconsideration.
The right to " die with dignity " is now enshrined in Victorian law. It is very likely to become law in Western Australia later this year and is being considered in public enquiries in Tasmania, Queensland and South Australia.
Unfortunately, some diseases deliver a lingering and painful death that results in the terminally ill dieing in a hospital bed where pain relief may be inadequate. Public opinion research shows that eighty percent of the population would prefer that death be negotiated with their doctor and allowed to happen in the time and place of their choosing.
We came just one vote short of gaining that right in New South Wales in 2017, but the bill was rejected in the upper house and never reached the lower chamber for consideration. Considering the weeks of agonising debate on abortion that riled religious fervour our politicians are not keen to clash swords with the religious zealots who insist that God demands we suffer until our last breath.
A long time ago we removed suicide from being a criminal offence. People who fear a painful death when they discover they are suffering from a terminal disease sometimes resort to suicide and often the mode selected puts others in danger. If euthanasia laws are enacted their use becomes a matter of personal choice. Those with strong religious convictions are perfectly free to choose to not take advantage of their availability.
Not so long ago the issue riling religious conviction was same sex marriage and that needed to be decided on a national basis. It was put to an unofficial vote to determine public opinion and this showed the public overwhelmingly supported this law change in Australia. That is now law and the change is settling with few incidents ruffling tranquillity.
This " death with dignity " euthanasia law should not be enacted on a state by state basis. It is a matter of great importance to all Australians and its introduction nationally to this country is only possible by a law change in the Federal sphere.
Like same sex marriage it would best be served by a referendum to gauge national feeling, followed by a conscience vote in the Federal parliament. If the majority of the Australian people support a bill to be placed in the Federal realm it would be a very brave politician who chose to defy what would be in effect the " will of the people ".
The Federal parliament was brave when it embraced the same sex marriage issue. The right to die with dignity has similar significance. It is time it received national attention !
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