Chaney seeks to simplify death choice laws (26 Oct 2024)
The Post: Curtin MP Kate Chaney is working to introduce a Private Member's Bill amending the Commonwealth Criminal Code to help bridge an access gap to voluntary assisted dying. The amendment would allow experienced medical practitioners unrestricted use of Telehealth, as they deem appropriate, for purposes related to VAD.
Ms Chaney recently answered questions about the Bill at the Dying with Dignity WA annual general meeting. The Commonwealth Criminal Code currently prohibits the use of an electronic carriage service for any discussion of suicide. This was originally intended to counteract "suicide chat rooms".
The WA VAD Act expressly states that VAD is not suicide within the meaning of the Act. But commonwealth law overrides state law, and so there are grey areas within the states. This means that some people, particularly those living in regional areas, have been severely disadvantaged in accessing VAD.
Ms Chaney said the amendment should be a "straightforward issue with a simple solution". She also described the background parliamentary processes, and the hurdles presented when politics overrides policy.
