At the end of June the End of Life Choice Bill passed its Second Reading 70-50 but it was clear that quite a few Members voted only for it to be discussed for another few months rather than confirmed as Law. There were some moving speeches and an accepting atmosphere in other normal antagonistic House and the issue is by no means dead.
Already a dozen proposals have been formally lodged for amending it, and the sponsor, MP David Seymour himself has produced a 70 age document of changes he'd like to see made. The debate could be long drawn out around the few hours a month that are permitted for Private Member's Bills.
It has become apparent that the deluge of submissions made to the Justice Committee has been matched over recent weeks by pro forma emails being sent to MPs. The Society has asked us to give them a break which does seem to be reasonable. In some ways, everything that can be said has been said and we just have to wait out the parliamentary process.
QUEENSLAND?
It was interesting to hear that the Queensland parliament is hearing submissions on their bill and some 80% appear to be running in favour of Choice. What a contrast to the NZ position where 80% of submissions have been against. For a relatively conservative state it would seem Queensland's conservative component is not as well organised as its counterpart in this country.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE
The issue gets more and more personal for me as my health and comfort deteriorate. But we still have plans for an intimate family recognition of 60 years of marriage in November....
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