Wednesday, 24 August
WA Greens MLC Robin Chapple said the actions of Dr Alida Lancee should be seen as a legislative catalyst and cause for renewed debate, not murder.
“During the passage of my Voluntary Euthanasia Bill 2009, rejected by the current government and much of the current opposition, Premier Colin Barnett identified that one of his own family members had passed away in a manner similar to the admissions of Dr Lancee,” Mr Chapple said.
“At the time, the Premier said this situation – and I quote – ‘demonstrated that there was no need for any law which might make this legal’.
“Given the situation we have unfolding before us now, I would say this demonstrates exactly why there is a need for legislative change not only to protect doctors but to give terminally ill people the legal right to choose the manner in which they die.
“This is not a new or controversial practice and I applaud Dr Lancee for having the courage to come forward, speak about it publicly and challenge lawmakers.
“The WA Greens will be making this issue – the reintroduction of my bill – a priority when Parliament is reconvened in 2017 and it is my sincere hope that finally, we will have the support needed.”
