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Greens To Introduce Federal Assisted Dying Bill

"If we're going to have these compassionate laws in Victoria, we need to make sure all other Australians have access as well."
Greens Leader Richard Di Natale
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Greens Leader Richard Di Natale

Greens leader Richard Di Natale will introduce a federal assisted dying bill next year, following Victoria's successful move to pass euthanasia legislation.

The Greens leader told ABC TV the party will lead a push to lift the federal ban on legislating voluntary assisted dying.

"If we're going to ensure that people have choice and control over their final few weeks of life, if we're going to have these compassionate laws in Victoria, we need to make sure all other Australians have access as well,'' he said.

Victoria's euthanasia legislation was passed in the upper house on 22 November and proponents are now seeking approval from the lower house. Di Natale said Victoria's bill could be used as a basis for other Australian states and territories.

Victoria's new law, said to be the "most conservative" of its kind globally, would mean Australians suffering from incurable medical conditions or illness would have the option to choose a doctor-assisted death from 2019.

Di Natale said Victoria's application of assisted dying legislation will support a federal push for the adoption of similar laws. He also said there are a number of MPs on all sides of politics who are in support of assisted dying laws.

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