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WA government to introduce assisted dying bill in 2019

Jessica WarrinerEastern Reporter

A BILL is set to be introduced to Parliament in 2019 to legalise voluntary euthanasia in Western Australia.

The decision was made following recommendations from the Joint Select Committee on End of Life Choices.

The committee found a protracted death from a terminal, chronic or neurological condition could have a devastating effect on patients and families, and reasoned when death was a foreseeable outcome of the condition, voluntary assisted dying should be an option.

Health Minister Roger Cook said the Bill would be part of access to high-quality end-of-life and palliative care.

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“The introduction of a voluntary assisted dying Bill would provide those individuals who are experiencing grievous and irremediable suffering associated with advanced and progressive terminal conditions with an additional choice,” he said.

“Introducing this legislation is a complex and challenging task.”

The Bill will be drafted in consultation with a panel of health professionals, consumers and legal experts, including former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker.