LIBERAL backbencher Sarah Courtney says she is open to the idea of co-sponsoring a voluntary assisted dying bill.
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Ms Courtney is among at least three Liberal MPs who say they are willing to consider voting for legalising voluntary euthanasia.
Braddon Liberal MHAs Roger Jaensch and Joan Rylah – who along with Ms Courtney were not in Parliament when the issue
was last debated – have also said they are willing to consider such legislation.
Ms Courtney said she was open-minded about putting her name to a private member’s bill, although not before seeing more detail.
‘‘I haven’t been approached by anyone with regards to sponsoring a bill or seen any proposed legislation,’’ she said.
‘‘I’ve got a pretty open mind on the subject, so couldn’t pre-empt whether I would or wouldn’t.’’
Labor justice spokeswoman Lara Giddings is seeking Liberal and Greens support for a new euthanasia bill.
In 2013, Ms Giddings introduced a voluntary assisted dying bill to the previous parliament, which was co-sponsored by former Greens leader Nick McKim.
The bill was narrowly defeated in the House of Assembly after 10 hours of passionate debate.
Bass Greens MHA Andrea Dawkins has said she would be willing to co-sponsor the bill.
Ms Giddings believes that with tripartite support, the legislation could pass the lower house.
Ms Courtney said she had no fixed ideas on how she would vote on voluntary euthanasia laws, but would not be bound by any religious views.
‘‘I would go into any deliberations with an open mind because it is a very complex and important topic,’’ she said. ‘‘I understand there are very strong arguments and opinions on both sides of this topic, so it really would have to depend on the legislation.’’
At the weekend, Ms Giddings secured the support of rank and file Labor members to again pursue right to die legislation.
Ms Giddings is looking to introduce the legislation by the end of this year.