A Northern Territory politician’s plan to force the government into action on euthanasia has stalled, as the Chief Minister continues to resist pressure to bring the NT in line with the rest of the country. Source: NT News.
The Independent member for Johnston, Justine Davis, last month gave notice she would call on the ruling Country Liberal Party to introduce voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws; a motion originally expected to occur when Parliament returns next week.
Ms Davis is now planning to delay the move until May, in hope of securing more support across the chamber before forcing the debate.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro did not reply to a series of questions on the topic, including whether she would personally support the VAD motion, or allow a conscience vote as promised before the election.
Instead, a Government spokeswoman said “we cannot speculate on any decisions MLA’s may make on this important issue”.
Ms Finocchiaro has previously stated VAD was “not a priority” of her Government, despite an independent expert advisory panel finding strong public support for an NT scheme.
The Territory was the first place in the world to legalise euthanasia for a brief period three decades ago, and is now the only Australian jurisdiction without VAD legislation.
FULL STORY
Independent’s VAD motion stalled amid uncertain government support (By Fia Walsh and Taylor Mason, NT News)
