Media 2008-05-27 DLP Causes Euthanasia Bill Delay

PRESS RELEASE: DLP Causes Euthanasia Bill Delay
27 May 2008

Attempts to accelerate debate on the Medical Treatment (Physician Assisted Dying) Bill 2008 were defeated today at 3.20PM when Peter Kavanagh DLP MLC for Western Victoria, refused leave for the Bill to be brought forward.

"Passage of this Bill would necessarily result in the deaths of vulnerable people including those who do not genuinely consent to being killed. I vetoed this proposal to 'jump the queue' on the basis that this Bill deserves ample consideration by the Parliament and the community", Mr Kavanagh said.

Ms Hartland will "first read" (ie introduce) the Bill tomorrow but it is likely now that the Bill will not be fully debated until 25 June.

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For further comment please call Peter Kavanagh, DLP Member for Western Victoria, on 03 5222 1503.