WA To Have Living Wills (Advance Directives) by Christmas

WA Health Minister Jim McGinty says he is confident West Australians will be able to write their own living wills by the end of the year.

Debate is set to resume next week on the Government's controversial legislation, which will allow people to specify how they wish to be treated in the event of terminal illness including the right to refuse treatment.

MP's on both sides have been given a conscience vote.

The legislation cleared the Lower House last year, however Mr McGinty deferred debate in the Upper House due to insufficient support.

He says he is now confident a majority of sensible-minded Legislative Councillors will support the Bill.

"Nobody seriously thinks that this is euthanasia or borders on euthanasia. It clearly is not, it does not allow euthanasia to occur," he said.

"It's an argument of convenience from the religious right who are philosophically opposed to the legislation, but I think a majority of sensible-minded people in the Legislative Council now support the legislation."

Mr McGinty says if all goes to plan West Australians will be able to write their own living wills by Christmas.

ABC News

Living Wills in Victoria?

Living wills (advance directives) in Victoria are not yet legally binding. However, DWDV encourages you to complete at least a general Living Will, as the document helps record your end-of-life preferences and can assist decision making by family and doctors should you become unable to participate in your own medical decisions.

Mr Neil Francis, President of DWDV, is participating in the Victorian Government's Advance Care Planning Advisory Group, which will be making recommendations to the Minister for Health around June 2008. Law reform to recognise Living Wills is likely to form part of those recommendations.