The parliamentary committee tasked with inquiring into voluntary assisted dying in the Northern Territory has revealed details of its plan to deliver on the mammoth task set by the Country Liberal Government. Source: NT News.
Last month, rising political pressure led the CLP to order the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee to hold an inquiry into a comprehensive VAD report prepared in 2024.
The committee has been tasked to prepare a consultation paper, consult with remote communities, evaluate VAD models and safeguards, identify Territory-specific challenges, and provide drafting instructions for laws if it recommends VAD be adopted.
The large body of work is due in four months, and expected to be carried out around the competing duties of the LCAC members: Chair Tanzil Rahman (CLP), Matthew Kerle (CLP), Oly Carlson (CLP), Dheran Young (Labor) and Kat McNamara (Greens).
In a statement, Dr Rahman said the committee had already met twice to discuss how it planned to proceed, with an initial focus on the logistics of remote consultation.
The consultation paper was being prepared for public release “as soon as possible”.
“Notwithstanding concerns expressed regarding the process and short reporting time frame, LCAC is committed to conducting its inquiry ethically and respectfully, and consulting as widely as possible,” Dr Rahman said.
He said committee members had agreed to work “together in good faith” to determine the scope and process of the inquiry “with a view to progressing the issue of VAD in the NT”.
He said the committee members had also promised to make themselves available for the duration of the inquiry consultation hearings, which will take place in August with exact dates and locations still to be confirmed.
FULL STORY
NT Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee reveals next steps in Voluntary Assisted Dying inquiry (By Fia Walsh, NT News)
