I know many of you are disappointed that debate on the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 did not start last week and that the Legislative Committee’s decision to refer the bill for an inquiry before that house considers the bill will mean the issue will not be resolved until next year.

The committee has an online questionnaire and I encourage you to give your feedback about the bill by Monday 22 November > HERE.

This is no ordinary bill: it has majority community support, it has 28 co-sponsors across the Parliament, it has been drafted using outcomes of numerous expert inquiries and experience from Victoria, and most importantly, it has the potential to relieve unbearable suffering in people who are dying and have no time. The delays are cruel and unacceptable in a representative democracy.

I have worked with the government to ensure that the additional Friday sittings in November will be dedicated to private members’ bills, and will continue to work with the opposition leadership to ensure that these days are dedicated to this bill. There is no genuine reason for the Legislative Assembly not to deal with the bill this year.