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Queensland assisted dying laws given delayed due date
The Queensland government was confident it could deliver assisted dying legislation early next year, but its Attorney-General recently confirmed that the due date for the new laws would be given an extension to ensure it is workable.
Naomi Neilson
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk flagged introducing the legislation in early 2021 on the proviso that Labor won the election but despite her retaining the seat for another term, the law’s due date has been pushed back to June. Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman confirmed the Queensland Law Reform Commission would weigh in prior.
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Acting Premier Steven Miles said the Palaszczuk government was still committed to introducing appropriate legislation for the state, even if it is behind schedule. He said the shorter implementation time of 15 months will ensure there is no delay in residents being able to have a choice on voluntary assisted dying.
“Voluntary assisted dying and other end-of-life choices are extremely complex and deeply personal—so it is important we get this right,” Mr Miles said. “That’s why we initiated a parliamentary inquiry to ensure any laws to allow for voluntary assisted dying will safeguard the lives of our elderly and ensure our vulnerable are protected.”
Mr Miles added that the time frame will ensure that MPs and the community can be confident the law reform commission has “deeply considered the matters”, that the parliamentary committee has had time to review the bill and that MPs will be able to closely consider the proposal and discuss it with their communities.
“We committed to introduce a bill as soon as we could in this term of government, and it would be a conscience vote for government MPs. It remains a commitment.”
Ms Fentiman said the law reform commission’s Justice Peter Applegarth AM—who was involved in discussions to delay the bill—had made a compelling case for additional resources due to its “significant degree of complexity”.
“Although a bill is currently before the Tasmanian Parliament, Victoria and Western Australia are the only Australian states to have enacted VAD laws and we need to make sure the proposed legislation is workable in a Queensland context,” she said.
“That government is very conscious of the sensitives around end-of-life decisions and the need to produce the strongest possible legislation.”
