Voluntary euthanasia back on Tassie agenda


TASMANIA won't find itself a centre of voluntary euthanasia tourism if it becomes the first state to decriminalise the practice, advocates say.

A discussion paper is due within weeks as premier Lara Giddings and Greens leader Nick McKim prepare to introduce legislation later this year.

President of Dying With Dignity Tasmania Margaret Sing says a residency requirement in the bill will ensure that a fly-in mentality isn't allowed to flourish.

"All the indications from the places that have legislation are that people want to access assistance as a very last resort," Ms Sing told AAP.

"They don't want to and won't be travelling all around the country."

Controversial right-to-die campaigner Philip Nitschke has declared a clinic ready to go for Hobart once laws are passed, but Ms Sing's group rejects that concept.

"The best thing for everybody concerned is that people have easy access to both the information and support and services as close as possible to their actual home," Ms Sing said.

"A clinic is just not going to satisfy that kind of requirement, particularly with some sort of fly-in (element).

"There's more than one voice pro-law reform and we represent a different point of view on a number of matters."

A previous attempt to legalise voluntary euthanasia failed in Tasmania's lower house in 2009.

Even with a conscience vote, it is a strong chance of getting through the Labor-Greens majority House of Assembly this time around but could hit a snag in the independents-dominated upper house.

"I remain fairly hopeful this time," Ms Sing said.

"If politicians make their decisions on the basis of good quality information and arguments and not on the basis of a whole range of false and misleading claims ... then they should make a decision in favour of law reform."

Opponents of the move, including former governor William Cox, have formed a group called Real Dignity Tas.

They did not immediately respond to AAP's contact but palliative care expert and supporter Dr Paul Dunne has said previously that voluntary euthanasia would be impossible to regulate and be unfair on doctors.

Premier Giddings said the discussion paper would be released publicly for comment.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/voluntary-euthanasia-back-on-...

Then hitch a ride to West Papua and ask for asylum.

I have just gain a new respect for you Sybil.