From Tuesday, 14 August 2018, the federal Senate will debate and vote on a bill that would smooth the way for the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory to legalise euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Following a reported deal between Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Senator David Leyonhjelm, a private member’s bill will be introduced by Senator Leyonhjelm and debate will occur from 14-16 August.

The bill seeks to repeal the Euthanasia Laws Act 1997, which prohibits territories from legalising euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Those pushing to legalise euthanasia have backed this bill, using the language of ‘territory rights’ to promote their cause.

But this isn’t about territory rights.  The Constitution is clear on the right of the federal parliament to make laws relating to the territories.

It’s about legalised killing.

Make no mistake: those supporting or voting for this bill are supporting or voting for euthanasia and assisted suicide to be legalised in the territories, with a view to putting pressure on other states to do the same.

The Senate count is very tight and there are some Senators who have not made up their mind yet.  Those wanting euthanasia and assisted suicide to be legal across Australia are telling the Senators that the “overwhelming majority” of the country are with them.

It is important that everyone who feels strongly about the issue needs to make their views known to our Senators.  

It is the duty of each elected representative to protect our most vulnerable, who are most at risk from the legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide.

There is no safe way to make euthanasia and assisted suicide lawful

It is more important than ever to speak up and make your views known!  We encourage you to sign the petition and share it widely with your friends so that together we can send a message to the politicians in Canberra to do the right thing!