Page 3500 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 31 October 2023
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responses. The report was circulated to members when the Assembly was not sitting. I commend the report to the Assembly.
Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2023
Ms Cheyne, pursuant to notice, presented the bill, its explanatory statement and a Human Rights Act compatibility statement.
Title read by Clerk.
MS CHEYNE (Ginninderra—Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Business and Better Regulation, Minister for Human Rights and Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (10.45): I move:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
It is with great pride that today I present the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2023. This is a historic day for me, for this government, for this parliament and for all Canberrans. This bill is what we spent 25 years fighting for our territory rights for—a right that was restored just shy of 11 months ago.
This is a bill about people: their empowerment, autonomy, compassion and dignity. This is a bill about choice: an additional choice that an eligible person can make about the circumstances of their death. This is a bill that creates a workable and person-centred voluntary assisted dying framework: a bill that reflects evidence, experience and expertise. This is a bill that is the culmination of extraordinary collaboration and work across government: it delivers our commitment to Canberrans.
This is a bill that honours the advocates—those who have spent their life campaigning for and championing this cause; those who are suffering and dying; those who care and have cared for people dying, personally and professionally; and those who believe in choice. I pay tribute and dedicate this bill to those who long wished to see territory rights restored, and voluntary assisted dying debated, but died before witnessing this bill being introduced. You have never been far from my mind.
Voluntary assisted dying is a safe and effective medical process that promotes the autonomy and dignity of eligible individuals by giving them the option to end their suffering by choosing to die through the administration of an approved substance.
We know that even with the best end-of-life care, some Canberrans with an advanced condition, illness or disease experience suffering near the end of their lives. Voluntary assisted dying is not an alternative to, nor does it detract from, palliative care. It allows eligible individuals to make informed choices when they are at the final stages of their illness, with the support of health professionals and services. It is not a choice between life or death. It is an additional choice that can be made by an eligible individual about the circumstances of their death.
This bill has not been rushed. It has been the subject of extensive consultation, research, engagement and experience—an evidence based approach. While I understand the inherent desirability of consistency with other jurisdictions, it would
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