Member for Wagga Joe McGirr will not commit to a position on the "divisive subject" of voluntary euthanasia ahead of a possible debate in NSW Parliament.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, a fellow Independent, has announced he will draft a bill to legalise assisted dying for the terminally ill over the next six months, which he hopes will receive multi-partisan support.
The move came as advocacy group Dying with Dignity NSW launched a petition to get the issue back on the parliamentary agenda, following a failed attempt in 2017.
The Daily Advertiser sought an interview with Dr McGirr, who said in a statement he would "look closely" at any proposed legislation on assisted dying.
"I will be looking at any draft bills and will clearly be continuing to listen to what constituents have been saying," Dr McGirr said
"I respect the concerns of those who have raised this issue."
Wilma Graham, 71, wrote to Dr McGirr after Victoria's assisted dying laws came into effect in June 2019, telling him of the "horrific memory" of watching relatives pass away in pain and uncertainty.
In other news:
"I don't want to be a burden to anyone, if I am terminal, or start getting dementia. I want the choice to die peacefully on my terms," she wrote.
"I know there are people that don't believe in this and that's their prerogative but they shouldn't interfere with my beliefs as I would respect theirs."
Dr McGirr, who is both an experienced medical professional and a Catholic, has previously said he would vote no on any pro-euthanasia bill in Parliament.
"I have made my own concerns known previously, and continue to hold those concerns. It's a divisive subject, especially within the medical profession," he said.
Wagga-based Nationals MLC Wes Fang supported the most recent attempt at a NSW assisted dying bill, which was introduced to the upper house in 2017 and defeated by one vote.
Mr Fang said he would continue to be a "big supporter of voluntary assisted dying".
"However, I think its a little bit self indulgent to be doing it right now, given all the issues we've got with the coronavirus pandemic," he said.
Alex Greenwich told The Daily Advertiser he expects "an uphill battle" on the draft legislation, but is committed to seeing it through.
"I'll then work with all colleagues whether they are supportive or opposed to make sure we get the safeguards in place," he said.
Catie McLeod
Catie is a reporter at The Daily Advertiser covering health and Wagga City Council. You can contact her on c.mcleod@dailyadvertiser.com.au or 0475 819 651.
Catie is a reporter at The Daily Advertiser covering health and Wagga City Council. You can contact her on c.mcleod@dailyadvertiser.com.au or 0475 819 651.
