Today (24th November 2016) the Australian Medical Association released its new policy on euthanasia and assisted suicide. The policy review is a five-yearly process that involved significant consultation and surveying of members ahead of the development of the final document released today.The two page document changes the focus somewhat by opening with various affirmations about the AMA's commitment to making quality end-of-life care available to all Australians: Continue reading

by Paul Russell: Never far from the news it seems the ABC Alice Springs reports today that the Northern Territory Branch of the Australian Medical Association has expelled Philip Nitschke from its ranks.This news comes immediately after the death of Nitschke's legal council last week. Peter Nugent QC was, according to reports, suffering from stage four cancer but was not understood to be near death. Nitschke told Fairfax Media that Nugent "had options in place" for ending his own life. He also said that Nugent's death was 'perplexing' and 'a great loss'. Continue reading

The SA Branch took action to suspend in July this year after a media report concerning the suicide death of Perth man, Nigel Brayley, revealed that Nitschke did not act to dissuade Brayley from taking his own life. The revelation drew the ire of suicide prevention associations across Australia and a formal complaint from Beyond Blue chairman, Jeff Kennett. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the Medical Board," argue(d) it was forced to use its emergency powers to protect vulnerable suicidal people from Mr Nitschke and his "dangerous ideas". More seriously, the board is expected to tell the five-member panel, it had to act because Mr Nitschke possessed the means to transform these ideas into action."Since 2012 when an officer of the Therapeutic Goods Administration office made a complaint concerning an alleged attempt by Nitschke to import Nembutal, we understand that a further 11 formal complaints have been made to the medical watchdog, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).In a clear declaration of commitment, AHPRA announced, on the eve of the Darwin hearings, that the 12 complaints (or notifications) were being referred to the Northern Territory Health Professional Review Tribunal. At the time of the suspension in July, the AMA made it clear that the suspension was about their belief that Nitschke presented, 'a serious risk to public safety' adding that their interim action was an effort to, 'keep the public safe while other investigations or processes continue.' Continue reading

  In February this year we reported that the South Australian branch of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) had written to all South Australian lower house MPs roundly criticising this and another end-of-life related bill proposed by The Hon Bob Such MP.  Continue reading

  The head of the Western Australian division of the Australian Medical Association, Dr Richard Choong was reported on ABC News Continue reading

  Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide in 'unethical'.  Continue reading

In a very welcome move, the SA AMA issued a joint statement with the Law Society of SA making their opposition to the Key euthanasia bill crystal clear and on logically sound grounds.  See the letter: AMA & Law Society letter Sept 12 2011 Continue reading