Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation welcomed locally

On Tuesday, November 28, NSW will become the final state in Australia to implement a Voluntary Assisted Dying Law.

Dying with Dignity (DWD) NSW Director and Central Coast resident Dr Stephanie Short has welcomed the end-of-life option for eligible, terminally ill residents of NSW who are experiencing intolerable suffering.

Short said that after 50 years of lobbying the day would be one of mixed emotions for most advocates.

“There will be feelings of relief, but there will also be a touch of sadness, as we remember all of the courageous individuals who worked so hard and shared their personal experiences during the campaign,” she said.

To mark the historic milestone, Dying with Dignity NSW will hold a private gathering at NSW Parliament House to thank the dedicated members and supporters who worked so hard, for so long, to achieve law reform in NSW.

“Our heartfelt thanks will, of course, extend to those members of NSW Parliament who supported this much-needed legislation, and to the Voluntary Assisted Dying Implementation Team at NSW Health who have worked so hard over the past 18 months to prepare for this day,” DWD NSW President Penny Hackett said.

Short said all five Central Coast State MPs had supported the Bill.

“The Central Coast Members of Parliament worked as a team to get the legislation over the line in Parliament in May 2022: Liesl Tesch, Adam Crouch, David Harris, David Mehan and Yasmin Catley.

“We recognise and thank them all.”

DWD NSW CEO Shayne Higson said the legislation would provide enormous peace of mind for many individuals.

They can regain some level of control and if they choose to, they will have the option to die peacefully at a time and place of their choosing,” Higson said.

NSW Health will integrate voluntary assisted dying for eligible people into end-of-life care in the NSW Health System.

Further information can be obtained from the NSW Health Team.