KEY Liberals are set to vote against legalising voluntary euthanasia, denying the government a key plank of its social agenda.
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Moderate Liberals Jeremy Rockliff, Elise Archer and Matt Groom have confirmed that they will not support the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill proposed by Premier Lara Giddings and Greens leader Nick McKim.
Opposition Leader Will Hodgman has expressed ``serious concerns'' about the private members' bill, joining other Liberals who are steadfastly opposed to voluntary euthanasia.
Without the support of at least two Liberal MHAs, the bill looks doomed.
The Examiner has previously revealed that Brian Wightman, Michael Polley and Brenton Best will most likely vote against, while Graeme Sturges would need to change his vote from 2009, when similar legislation came before the house.
Despite the numbers, Ms Giddings and Mr McKim both say they will bring the bill on for debate.
Ms Giddings said Tasmanians ``deserve the opportunity to have it debated in Parliament''.
Law reform commentator George Williams said the likely defeat would come in spite of support from the electorate.
``What polls constantly show is that Australians want the ability to die with dignity when they are suffering a terminal illness,'' Professor Williams said. ``This is a case where clear community support has not translated into political support.''
Several Labor MHAs and all five Greens are likely to vote for the legislation.
Mr McKim said he would hold discussions with MPs from all political parties on the conscience vote to try to gain support.
In The Examiner today (page 12), Premier Lara Giddings argues that her social agenda is balanced against a comprehensive economic agenda.
The Parliament last considered voluntary euthanasia in 2009, when Mr McKim's Dying with Dignity Bill was defeated by 15 votes to seven.