Image credit: Voluntary Assisted Dying South Australia.
South Australia has become the fourth Australian state to pass legislation on voluntary assisted dying after eleventh-hour amendments to the bill.
The bill has just now been passed by South Australian parliament with the agreement from both Upper and Lower houses.
The bill will now pass through the SA Governor for assent before authorities begin the rollout of the recently passed scheme over the next 18 to 24 months.
When in place, those wishing to utilise the scheme will be required to be over 18 years of age, have lived in South Australia for at least a year and be deemed compliant by two doctors.
Additionally, the condition of the individual must be terminal with estimated death periods of a few weeks or months.
Today’s news follows recent discussion and passing through Lower House on 10 June.
The legislation was debated by MPs for six hours and was only voted in the early hours of this morning, Thursday 10 June, with 33 in favour and 11 opposed.
The news comes after a long push by campaigners to in favour of legalising assisted dying, with campaigns ramping up outside Parliament House in the lead up to announcements.
Katrine Hildyard MP took to LinkedIn and paid thanks on 10 June to campaigners who dedicated their time to push for the move and acknowledged their history making efforts.
“Much love and gratitude to beautiful Kyam Maher MLC – whose deep, calm determination, love for his Mum and whole family and incredibly hard work and wisdom drove the passage of this bill. Love and thanks also to the truly marvellous Susan Close MP whose grace, dignity, respect and huge intellect saw the bill carried through the House,” she wrote.
“To the parliamentarians who crafted careful, heartfelt amendments presented to us with clarity of purpose and reflection on their communities and conscience, thank you, and thank you to every MP who shared their journey and what was in their minds and hearts during the debate.”
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