Mixed reaction as WA passes assisted dying
REACTION TO WESTERN AUSTRALIA LEGALISING VOLUNTARY ASSISTED DYING:
- "Today we showed that at least in Western Australia, we can do big things. And in this parliament we have big, compassionate hearts and we're willing to take some political risks to do the right thing." - Premier Mark McGowan
- "There is no excuse, now, for other states not to follow suit. There is no excuse, now, for the territories not to have restored their right to decide this issue by themselves." - Go Gentle Australia
"This is a bill of despair and lack of hope. It sends a message that some lives are not worthy to be lived. Its passage is a great tragedy for Australia." - Right to Life Australia
- "There is still much to do in the fit-out of this process ... getting the details right will be very important." - Australian Medical Association WA president Andrew Miller
- "(The law) balances strong safeguards with appropriate accessibility, which together will at long last give many dying people the choice to limit their suffering at the end of life." - Dying with Dignity WA president Stephen Walker
- "It's not a time for jubilation ... it's about reflection. And to reflect that we've chosen compassion and the right to choose." - Health Minister Roger Cook
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