WAGGA MP Joe McGirr has dismissed claims that he has not listened to the electorate in relation to voluntary euthanasia laws if a bill was introduced in parliament.
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Dr McGirr has now said it is his priority to listen to his constituents.
"I understand this is a divisive issue and, of course, I'm prepared to meet, listen and discuss these issues," he said.
"I also note that there currently isn't any bill before the parliament about this matter."
Dr McGirr said his priority is to ensure people do not die in pain.
"If we had access to palliative care services that we should have, across Australia, then we wouldn't be discussing this issue," he said.
"I think that this issue of euthanasia is distracting us from the real issue, which is that people should have access to palliative care services that are world class.
"That should be the focus and that is the basis for my concern on this issue."
Earlier this week, Dying with Dignity NSW president Penny Hackett said Dr McGirr has a duty to represent the views of his electorate regardless of his personal view on voluntary assisted dying.
"I doubt if his opposition to VAD was made public during the election and the people of Wagga should expect their MP to support the wishes of the overwhelming majority who support VAD."
Asked about criticism relating to his Catholic faith influencing his position, Dr McGirr said: "Every parliamentarian has their own views that they bring to things".
"Clearly, the views of constituents are important as well," he said.
"I do want to emphasise that the important focus here is that we provide the best end-of-life care for the people who are in our community."
A number of recent national polls show that the majority of respondents were in favour of euthanasia.
Last year, the Council on the Ageing found 84 per cent of respondents indicated they support assisted dying.
In 2017, a Roy Morgan snap poll and Essential Media poll showed that 85pc and 73pc, respectively supported it.
"I'm not actually convinced that is the case for this electorate," Dr McGirr said.
A 2017 bill in NSW failed in the Upper House by only one vote. However, should another one be introduced, Dr McGirr said that he would look at the details.
"Of course I'd be listening to people and their views," Dr McGirr said.
