In March this year I wrote seeking your views regarding the Voluntary Assisted Dying Alliance, a group lobbying for legislative changes that would allow competent adults to make informed decisions about their own medical care. Thousands of members responded, all expressing strong views on the subject, and in total almost ninety percent were in favour of such legislation.

As you may be aware, a private member’s bill was introduced to NSW Parliament on 12 October and this bill has now been referred for review to the to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice. The bill has three objects:

• To enable eligible persons with a terminal illness to access voluntary assisted dying;
• To establish a procedure for, and regulate access to, voluntary assisted dying; and
• To establish the Voluntary Assisted Dying Board and provide for the appointment of members and functions of the Board.

The review committee is inviting members of the community to submit their views for consideration via an online questionnaire. I would encourage all members who have taken an interest in this important subject to take advantage of the opportunity to express their opinions. Completing the survey should take no more that five minutes. The closing date for responses is 22 November.

In unity,

Gerard Hayes

Secretary, HSU NSW/ACT/QLD