Public consultation is now open for Western Australians to have their say on key issues to be incorporated into new legislation to introduce voluntary assisted dying in Western Australia. This Bill is due to go before the State Parliament in the second half of this year.
The consultation will focus on key issues relating to the decision, eligible conditions and selected aspects of the process for voluntary assisted dying.
The discussion paper from the Ministerial Expert Panel will guide discussion.
The feedback from the consultations will help to inform the panel's final report and recommendations to the Minister for Health.
Consultations will be conducted across the State with a local session to be held on the morning of Friday, April 12 at HBF Arena in Joondalup (Premiers Suite). Registration is required via the Department of Health's website.
People who cannot attend a consultation session, can provide feedback via the online survey or lodge a written submission for consideration by the panel via email or post.
For registration, feedback and more information, visit https://www.health.wa.gov.au/voluntaryassisteddying
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"There is consistent and widespread community support for voluntary assisted dying reform, and the McGowan Government is committed to ensuring the highest quality end-of-life and palliative care for all Western Australians.
"This is an emotive and important issue and a discussion not only for health professionals - but for us all. I encourage all Western Australians to take part in the consultation to ensure that the legislation is based on the available evidence and reflects the needs of all people in our diverse State.
"I am confident that the consultation being undertaken, along with the recommendations of the committee, will result in well informed and workable legislation that includes strong safeguards for those people who wish to access voluntary assisted dying."
