Ranges
8 Tuesday, 24 October, 2017
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A Mail News Group publication
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Death Bill ‘No’ The assisted dying Bill to be put forward to the Victorian Upper House has failed to win any support from Yarra Ranges’ state politicians. While the move to legalise assisted dying for the terminally ill did win some support among the local MPs, they all viewed the legislation as being significantly flawed. Monbulk MP and Victorian Deputy Leader James Merlino was among the most passionate critics of the Bill, with his views going against many in his party, including Victorian Leader Daniel Andrews. Tensions were so high with his stance that Health Minister Jill Hennessy inadvertently sent Mr Merlino an expletive-laden text message. Mr Merlino voted against the Bill on Friday 20 October, as did Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe, Eildon MP Cindy McLeish and Gembrook MP Brad Battin. Nevertheless, the Bill passed the lower house 47 votes to 37. While early reports suggested the Bill could pass the upper house, there are more recent suggestions the path could be far from easy. During the debate, Mr Merlino put forward five amendments to the Bill, all of which were defeated. Those included measures to address inequality over best practice palliative care, uncertainties about the substances to be used, the risk of doctor-shopping and inadequate safeguards. “This parliament is contemplating ... state-sanctioned suicide, forever changing the doctor-patient relationship,” Mr Merlino told parliament. “The legislation provides for assisted suicide at a 12-month prognosis, not the six months provided for in Oregon. “Ours is not the most conservative model. We have all heard stories about people surviving well past a 12-month prognosis. We all know those stories. Doctors can get it wrong.” Eildon MP, Cindy McLeish, who also addressed parliament, told the Mail she agreed
with the sentiments of Mr Merlino’s arguments and wanted further review of the Bill. Ms McLeish introduced two of her own amendments. Firstly, this included the reduction of access from a 12-month prognosis to six months. Secondly, ineligibility if the person is suffering from a treatable mental illness. This includes the requirement of a referral by an assessing practitioner to a specialist determination of a treatable mental illness (e.g. depression) if the assessor is unable to determine this for themselves. Ms McLeish said: “Although relatively simple, the amendments require a number of consequential amendments throughout the Bill”. Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe said she would not support the Bill, with her major concerns surrounding the drugs to be used. “I’ve got concerns about the cocktail of drugs to be used, there’ve been reports of people vomiting up the drug and not ingesting it all. Also, if the person doesn’t use the drugs and they’re kept on premises - what happens then?” she said. “There’s also been no conversation with the Federal Government about who will pay for these drugs.” Gembrook MP Brad Battin also has an issue with the proposed drugs. Mr Battin doesn’t want to see a new drug enter the market, but wants to consider an option of following the lead of other countries. However, Premier Andrews backed the bill confidently, saying it was long overdue in Victoria. “This (assisted dying) is happening, quietly and violently, in our suburbs and towns. Every year, 50 people experiencing an irreversible deterioration in physical health are resorting to ... the ‘final cry of human desperation’,” Mr Andrews told Parliament. “Fifty people a year are vanishing in lonely, desperate and unspeakable ways - 50 people who the coroner says have made an ‘absolute clear decision’ that no reasonable offer to support or relief could possibly temper.”
Halloween needs a hand ... This weekend Halloween will come to the hills for the inaugural Halloween on the Green event. Get those spooky costumes ready and come trick-or-treating at Ferny Creek recreation reserve on 28 October for a memorable Halloween party that is sure to shock. With plenty of entertainment and food for kids, it’s a day that the whole family can enjoy. Read all about the spooky spectacular on page 10. Pictured is Yarra Ranges Council mayor Noel Cliff.
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