Nitschke To Run Against Euthanasia Foe Kevin Andrews

Melbourne, 14 Jul 07 -- Right-to-die campaigner Philip Nitschke will again challenge Howard government frontbencher and long-time euthanasia opponent Kevin Andrews for his safe Victorian seat at the federal election.

Dr Nitschke stood against Mr Andrews, the federal immigration minister, for his role in overturning the world's first voluntary euthanasia law, the Northern Territory's Rights of the Terminally Ill Act, in 1996.

The euthanasia advocate said he would establish a campaign office in east suburban Doncaster, the heart of the Menzies electorate, and would soon begin full-time campaigning.

"Kevin Andrews would like the voters of Menzies to forget all about the pivotal role he played in making sure that seriously ill and elderly Australians have no control of their end-of-life decisions," he said in a statement.

"Ten years have passed since this politician used the parliament to disenfranchised Territorians and take away the rights of the terminally ill.

"The time has come to make him accountable for his actions."

Menzies has been held by Mr Andrews since 1991 and by the Liberals since the seat was created in 1984.

It includes the suburbs of Doncaster, Templestowe, Bulleen, Warrandyte and Wonga Park.

Mr Andrews goes into this year's election with a margin of 8.9 per cent.

Dr Nitschke said he won almost 10 per cent of the primary vote in 1998 and national attention drawn to his campaign attracted political donations of more than $120,000.

Sydney Morning Herald

Thinking of Helping Dr Nitschke?

Anyone wishing to help Dr Philip Nitschke in any way for the campaign should call 1300 62 62 97, or write to PO Box 2131 Templestowe Heights, Victoria 3107.

Authorised by Lindy Boyd, 8 Burnside Avenue, Canterbury, Victoria 3126.