Victoria's deputy premier will oppose his government's assisted dying laws, saying he has deep concerns about legislation allowing euthanasia.
Legislation, now being drafted following the 66 recommendations of an advisory panel, could be finalised within months and voted on by the end of the year.
James Merlino says he will vote against the government bill, putting him at odds with Premier Daniel Andrews who is supporting the push to legalise assisted dying for the terminally ill.
"I have deep concerns that these laws put at risk some of our most vulnerable Victorians, who could be subjected to coercion," Mr Merlino told the Herald Sun on Wednesday.
"This bill also endorses suicide, which is a line I don't think our society should cross."
An expert panel asked by parliament to investigate the issue provided 66 recommendations to build the legal framework for assisted dying.
Victoria's deputy premier James Merlino will oppose his government's assisted dying laws. (AAP) Source: AAP
The premier has backed those guidelines which would allow terminally ill Victorians to choose to die.
"These 66 recommendations provide us with a conservative system, the safest in the world, but one where we no longer deny people that which they seek," Mr Andrews told reporters on Tuesday.
"There is no solution to their unbearable pain and they are taking matters into their own hands. That leads to many tragic outcomes. That's unacceptable to me."
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy opposes any form of euthanasia but will allow his MPs to vote freely.
A ministerial advisory panel on Friday revealed its recommended guidelines, including that a patient would need to be expected to die within 12 months, show sufficient mental capacity to make the decision, and be a Victorian resident at least 18 years' old.
The medication, which is yet to be finalised, would be dispensed in a lockable box by a pharmacist.
