A parliamentary committee in Victoria has recommended reforms that would give some terminally ill patients the right to choose to die with the assistance of a physician.

Riverina Greens candidate Kevin Poynter was supportive of the move.

“It is very important that people in immense pain can make the choice to die with dignity,” Mr Poynter said.

“If any of my family would want to do it, I would support them.”

Mr Poynter feared if a terminally ill person couldn’t physically end their life, they would see the pressure placed onto their family, and would then be more likely to suicide to maintain control.

“But safeguards should be put in place – we need to make sure we do this properly.”

Labor Riverina candidate Tim Kurylowicz said we need to do more work in advanced care directives. 

“We need to have a mature conversation about death and dying in this country,” Mr Kurylowicz said.

“I personally support (euthanasia).

“We’re perfectly happy talking about pain aids (past the point of a patient being able to communicate).

Incumbent member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the issue did not sit well with him.

“I do have problems with the law in the (voluntary euthanasia advocate) Dr Philip Nitschke way,” Mr McCormack said. 

“There are so many ethical and moral issues.”

Mr McCormack said the current process gave enough pain relief.

“I had to watch my own father die,” he said.

“But painkilling medication allowed him to pass away with dignity without needing to press a button.”

Mr McCormack said when the country was ready for the conversation, it shouldn’t be played out in the political domain.

“When (the issue needs to be discussed) it needs to be determined by medical experts rather than have a political influence.”