Last week, two-thirds of the Queensland Parliament voted to legalise suicide in Queensland.
The Palaszczuk government bill to legalise euthanasia passed the unicameral parliament 61 for, 30 opposed, with 2 MPs not voting at the technical vote on the long title of the bill.
No amendments were made to the legislation, despite some MPs calling out the “ethical, medical and professionally unacceptable provisions” in the laws.
“This imposes clinical governance risks with respect to various state and federal legislation, as well as breaching the healthcare standards of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care,” said Christian Rowan, opposition spokesman for education and the arts.
The vote was largely along party lines, although 10 members of the Liberal National Party crossed the floor to vote with the government, while a small number of Labor MPs were opposed.
Below we’ve listed how the Members voted: those who crossed the floor, and those who had the courage and integrity to vote to protect the lives of vulnerable people throughout Queensland.
Headed by party leader David Crisafulli, member for Broadwater, 23 of the Liberal National Party members fought for their constituents, standing up for the traditional conservative values they were elected to uphold.
David Crisafulli, Broadwater
Stephen Bennett, Burnett
Colin Boyce, Callide
Pat Weir, Condamine
Laura Gerber, Currumbin
Tim Mander, Everton
Andrew Powell, Glass House
Lachlan Millar, Gregory
Tony Perrett, Gympie
Jarrod Bleijie, Kawana
Jim McDonald, Lockyer
Fiona Simpson, Maroochydore
Christian Rowan, Moggill
Ros Bates, Mudgeeraba
Deb Frecklington, Nanango
Dan Purdie, Ninderry
Mark Robinson, Oodgeroo
Jon Krause, Scenic Rim
James Lister, Southern Downs
Trevor Watts, Toowoomba North
David Janetzki, Toowoomba South
Ann Leahy, Warrego
Amanda Camm, Whitsunday
10 Liberal National Party representatives voted to legalise euthanasia and assisted suicide in Queensland, including Rob Molhoek of Southport who’s radical views Hope previously reported on. These MPs are:
Sam O’Connor, Bonney
Brent Mickelberg, Buderim
Dale Last, Burdekin
Michael Hart, Burleigh
Steve Minnikin, Chatsworth
Tim Nicholls, Clayfield
Michael Crandon, Coomera
Ray Stevens, Mermaid Beach
Rob Molhoek, Southport
Mark Boothman, Theodore
Of the total 52 Labor MPs who make up the Queensland Government, only three were willing to stand up to their party and vote for life.
The member for Aspley, Bart Mellish, the member for Greenslopes, Joe Kelly, and the member Logan, Linus Power.
From the crossbench, Katter’s Australian Party members Shane Knuth of Hill, Nick Dametto of Hinchinbrook, and Robbie Katter of Traeger all voted in opposition to the legislation, as did One Nation member for Mirani, Stephen Andrew.
Independent member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton, Greens Members Michael Berkman of Maiwar and Amy MacMahon of South Brisbane voted with the other 48 members of the Labor party in support of the legislation.
Only two members didn’t vote. Curtis Pitt, the member for Mulgrave, indicated his support for the bill, but as Speaker he is only required to use his casting vote in the event of an even split. The LNP member for Surfers Paradise John-Paul Langbroek was absent from the sitting week after travelling interstate due to a family death.
We thank these 30 members of parliament who showed their willingness to stand up to protect the sanctity of life, and who withstood enormous pressure from many quarters to vote for these misguided and dangerous laws.
Your names will be etched on the right side of history!