Euthanasia bill in NSW parliament today
A vote on a bill to allow voluntary euthanasia in New South Wales will be introduced to state parliament today.
Last month a similar bill passed the Victorian Lower House and could be made law before the end of the week.
Nationals MP Trevor Kahn will introduce the legislation into the NSW Upper House with a vote on the matter expected to go down to the wire.
At the moment the numbers are neck and neck with 43 in favour, 34 against, 13 undecided and 4 members unaccounted for.
Former senate candidate for the Voluntary Euthanasia Party Shayne Higson has told 2GB Breakfast Host Alan Jones it’s going to be close.
“Look it’s a very anxious day, the numbers are very tight but we’re hopeful that the members of the upper house have looked at the evidence, are listening to the 85% of people in Australia who support theses laws and will do the right thing and pass it.
“Ms Higson has been campaigning for the right to die since losing her mother from an aggressive brain cancer in 2012.
“The reality is even with the very best of palliative care, that does not mean your end stage won’t be horrendous.”
But, there is fierce opposition to the proposed laws with protesters gathering outside parliament house.
“In the pass 20 years there have been over 30 attempts in various state parliaments to reintroduce and assisted dying bill, but it’s very difficult. Our opponents are very well funded and it’s hard to compete against the fear mongering.”
2GB’s Alan Jones admits it’s contentious but has urged politicians to do the right thing.
“It’s a very, very sensitive issue, I appreciate that, but when you’ve been through this with a parent or a loved one you come to one conclusion… breathing isn’t always living.”
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW