I REFER to ‘law changes’ proposed by Tasmanian Greens leader Cassy O’Connor (The Examiner, January 16) and in particular the proposed Bill on euthanasia, which she co-sponsors with Franklin Labor member Lara Giddings. The reasons given are flimsy indeed, as it would seem that if one has “persistent, intolerable suffering, and not have access to reasonably available medical treatment or palliative care options to relieve that suffering” it should be possible to euthanise that person.

This is extraordinary, has Tasmania reached such a position, in which there is such a paucity of palliative care options and medical care access, that some of our politicians  are now considering death for those people in such distress. This must stir the Health Department into action and revisit the needs of every sick person, but especially the dying people in our communities. Palliative care is urgently needed and euthanasia is not an option.

THE mid-year economic forecast tables published recently show that more than 300,000 pensioners and disability recipients are next to be targeted by the robo-centre letters. Attacking those unable to financially defend themselves from any allegations is indicative of the unrepentant arrogance of those refusing to acknowledge a mistake ridden system.