Qld takes steps towards euthanasia laws

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has ordered an inquiry into whether the state should let terminally ill people end their lives with help from doctors.

Queenslanders will have the chance to make known their views on making euthanasia legal, with a year-long consultation on the issue to be held.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has called for a parliamentary inquiry into voluntary assisted dying laws, saying the emotive issue requires time for everyone to have their say.

The parliamentary committee should look to Victoria for guidance, she said on Wednesday.

"We know in Victoria (the inquiry) went for a couple of years," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"I would like the committee to travel far and wide, engaging with as many Queenslanders as possible. This is an issue that means a lot to people."

Ms Palaszczuk played down suggestions the government could take the reforms to the 2020 election, saying it was too early to speculate.

In addition to voluntary assisted dying, the committee has been tasked with a broader inquiry into the state's aged care system and palliative care.

David Muir from the Clem Jones Foundation, which advocates for euthanasia laws, said tying the issue to aged care would unnecessarily slow down the process.

"Many Queenslanders have been waiting many years for (these reforms)," Mr Muir said

"Each week in Queensland it's likely there's one person taking their own life in horrendous circumstances, so there's a sense of urgency."

Pro-life group Cherish Life has criticised the government for even holding an inquiry into the issue.

"Holding a parliamentary inquiry with a committee controlled by pro-euthanasia MPs is just following the tactic which enabled the Victorian government to legalise assisted suicide last year," president Donna Purcell said.

Victoria will have Australia's only assisted-dying scheme from the middle of next year, after its parliament passed controversial legislation 12 months ago.

The Victorian system will be accessible only to terminally ill Victorian adults with less than six months to live.

The views of Queenslanders and medical experts will form part of the inquiry announced by Ms Palaszczuk on Wednesday.

The committee will report back to parliament by November 30, 2019.


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Source: AAP



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