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The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has welcomed the resounding defeat of the Victorian euthanasia bill and challenged the Victorian Government to now step up palliative care support and resources for people with terminal illnesses.
ACL Victorian Director Rob Ward said that today’s defeat of the Physician Assisted Dying Bill 2008 by 25 votes to 13 was a victory for those who value life and for the vulnerable sick and elderly people who would have been put at risk by the bill.
“Let the defeat of this dreadful bill send a clear message to euthanasia advocates throughout Australia that the debate is over and euthanasia legislation should be left to rest in peace,” Mr Ward said.
“The Victorian Upper House politicians who voted against this bill should be proud of the role they have played in safeguarding our State from the travesty of turning doctors from carers into killers.”
Mr Ward urged the Victorian Government to turn its attention to providing better assistance for the frail elderly and those dealing with terminal illnesses.
“This bill pushed by vocal euthanasia advocates has diverted attention from the real need to provide better end of life care services for Victorians,” he said.
“The vast majority of sick and elderly people have no interest in ending their lives but could greatly benefit from more palliative care resources.”
Mr Ward said that organisations like Palliative Care Victoria had identified a pronounced need to enhance the quality of and access to palliative care provision in the Victorian community. This includes providing increased funding, more palliative care education for aged, disability and community care workers, and better palliative care resources in aged care facilities.
“While concerns about dying are under the spotlight let’s use this as an opportunity to provide constructive help to those facing illness and death.”
Mr Ward added that he hoped that the Victorian Parliament’s decision to value life and defeat the euthanasia bill would also be reflected in its attitude to the abortion reform bill.
“The Victorian Parliament has made a great decision in protecting the lives of the vulnerable elderly and I urge politicians to make the same compassionate decision when it comes to the lives of the vulnerable young.”
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