A Private Members' Bill
A Bill (for an Act of Parliament) has been written, called the Medical Treatment (Physician Assisted Dying) Bill 2008. Taking a great deal of time to prepare, it has been developed with the input of a wide range of medical, legal, community, academic and practitioner input.
The Bill follows the approach taken in the Oregon (USA) Death With Dignity Act and is aligned with DWDV's Legislative Charter, which has been endorsed by a number of respected organisations.
An Exposure Draft of the Bill has been circulated to all sitting members of the Victorian Parliament, for discussion and debate.
Introductory Flyer
Get a copy of the Introductory Flyer which explains the Bill, including what it doesn't allow (PDF 263Kb).
Flowchart
Get a copy of the PAD Flowchart, that illustrates how the process works (PDF 226Kb).
Briefing Paper
Get a copy of a Briefing Paper prepared by DWDV that outlines the dire need for the Bill, how it operates and experiences in other jurisdictions, with references to the professional literature (PDF 50Kb).
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Bill Sponsors
The Bill is being sponsored in the lower house (Legislative Assembly) by the Hon. Ken Smith, and in the upper house (Legislative Council) by Colleen Hartland.
Marshall Perron Supports the Bill
Marshall Perron is former Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. He was the chief architect of the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act 1995, the very first Physician Assisted Dying law anywhere in the world. The Act was in effect until the Federal Government intervened and neutralised it in 1997.
Read Marshall Perron's thoughts on Victorian reform (PDF 16Kb).
Marshall Perron,
former Chief Minister of
the Northern Territory.
Prof. David Kelly Supports the Bill
Professor David Kelly is one of Victoria's most experienced legislative minds. He is former Chairman of the Victorian Law Reform Commission.
Read Professor Kelly's considered assessment of the Exposure Draft Bill (PDF 28Kb).
Prof. David Kelly,
former Chairman of
the Victorian Law
Reform Commission.
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Need for the Bill
Mrs Mieke Hammond,
wife of Peter Hammond, who suffers from motor neurone disease, speaks out about the need for this bill. Read Peter's speech (PDF 15Kb). Mieke read out Peter's speech as he is too weak and breathless to speak clearly).
Mr Peter Hammond,
who suffers from motor neurone disease.
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The Bill
Get a copy of the Bill itself. This is the actual legislation (PDF 165Kb). It is only 23 pages, including all schedules, and is written in plain English.
Track the Bill's progress under Parliamentary Documents | Bills.
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