Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2023

The Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2023 touches on the very essence of human existence. This discussion is fraught with emotion, ethical dilemmas, and profound questions about the value of life and the right to choose its end. Whilst I do not wish to diminish the very real and deeply personal desires of those who seek to end their suffering, I cannot support this bill.

            We can see from other jurisdictions that the slippery slope is not a fallacy. Almost 45,000 people have died in Canada over just six years, and now they are looking at assisted dying for people with poor mental health. In moments of despair, the desire for an escape may seem like the only respite, but it is precisely in these moments of darkness that we must offer support, compassion, and resources to those in need.

            Those who experience disability are especially vulnerable. But as a people, we must reject the notion that death is a solution to the challenges of disability, and instead we must reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and support for individuals with disabilities. Today, I voted in opposition to this bill.

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Today, I stand before you with a very heavy heart to address a topic that touches upon the very essence of human existence: the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill. This bill is a subject fraught with emotion, ethical dilemmas, and profound questions about the value of life and the right to choose its end. In voicing my opposition to this bill, I do not wish to diminish the very real and deeply personal desires of those who seek this option as a means to end their suffering.

It is undeniable that there are individuals who are enduring unimaginable pain, both physical and emotional. Those struggling with terminal illnesses, enduring excruciating pain, or facing the relentless onslaught of mental health challenges may find themselves in despair, seeking an end to their suffering. Their anguish is real, their pain is real, and their desires must be heard and respected with empathy and compassion.

Yet, as we confront the heartbreaking reality of human suffering, we must also recognise the profound implications of legalising voluntary assisted dying. We must consider the slippery slope it presents, the potential for abuse and coercion, and the erosion of the sanctity of life. We look at Canada. In 2022, after six years of access to voluntary assisted dying, it is reported that within six years 44,958 people died from voluntary assisted dying. And now they are looking at assisted dying for people with poor mental health. Shocking! This is part of the slippery slope of voting for this bill.

Psychologists and mental health experts have illuminated the intricate connection between profound grief and thoughts of ending one's life. In moments of despair, when the weight of sorrow feels unbearable, the desire for an escape may seem like the only respite – especially if you have carried that depression and despair for years, even decades. But it is precisely in these moments of darkness that we must shine a light of hope, offering support, compassion, and resources to those in need rather than an option to eliminate the deep, painful emotions they experience.

Archbishop Prowse said in the inquiry several months ago: ‘I have been a priest for 43 years. I have been with people, hundreds of people over the years, who are reaching the end of their life, some because of terminal disease. I do find that they are on a rollercoaster every day. Some days they would say, “This is it. I can’t take anything more. I want the drug or any drug”. On other days, they say, “No, I’ve got other things to do in my life”. So it is a rollercoaster ride just to be with people – the great grace of proximity, closeness, kindness, on a day-to-day basis, which is all part of palliative care. It is not just about administering drugs; it is also about getting the whole family involved in an attitude that promotes a culture of life, not a culture of death’.[1]

So instead of hastening death, we must invest in bolstering palliative care services, ensuring that every individual facing the end of life receives compassionate and comprehensive support. Palliative care seeks not to expedite death but to enhance the quality of life, providing comfort, dignity, and holistic care to patients and their families.

Moreover, we must acknowledge the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, as was raised in the inquiry. Those grappling with profound physical or cognitive impairments may feel marginalised, isolated, and burdened by their circumstances. And in their moments of despair, they too may contemplate the allure of voluntary assisted dying as a means to escape their suffering.

But as a people, we must reject the notion that death is a solution to the challenges of disability, and instead we must reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and support for individuals with disabilities. We must, as decisionmakers, create a world where every person, regardless of their disabilities or abilities, is valued, empowered, and embraced with love and acceptance.

Finally, while I empathise deeply with the pain and suffering that drives individuals to consider voluntary assisted dying, I firmly believe that legalising such measures is not the answer. Instead, let us come together as a compassionate society, offering support, solace, and resources to those in need. Let us invest in palliative care, mental health services, and disability support, ensuring that every individual can live with dignity, purpose, and hope until their natural end.

Thank you.

[1] Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory, Select Committee on the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2023, Inquiry into the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2023, Transcript of Evidence, 29 Jan. 2024, pp. 75–76.