Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House “Compassionate Assisted Dying” (optional euthanasia), during palliative care. Voluntary Assisted Dying has been adopted by all Australian states. Society has supported law that allows a terminally ill patient to choose the time and manner of death. There is, however, an area of palliative care in need of urgent amendment.

The Principal Petitioner and his wife recently sat by her brother's side throughout his palliative care admission. By the time he was admitted he was unable to eat and was being administered morphine for pain relief. Despite exceptional care he lingered for 17 days, the final five days in a totally non-responsive state. Over his final days his extremities started turning black from lack of circulation. Admitted at a robust 85kgs, he essentially starved to death whilst receiving compassionate care.

Queensland needs to enact laws that ensure that people can choose to end their life in a dignified manner. Queensland needs to lead the way nationally.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to urgently consider enacting legislation that will give the right to patients placed in palliative care, in home or a recognised medical facility, to take up the option of medically administered euthanasia for a dignified and compassionate “end of life”.