After 4 years of pushing for legislation, as an "independent advocate", and representing so many individuals who share the trauma of nursing their loved one through an horrendous and traumatic death, we are the voices who are finally being heard. The media coverage - the fact this has become an election issue - demonstrates just how on board the community is.
All political candidates have been canvassed in the interests of transparency so that the community, who support this legislation, know who is going to support this legislation. Many haven't bothered to respond!
What has become transparent is that the LNP as a Party Policy, opposes Voluntary Assisted Dying. Our advocates have found themselves up against a brick wall when it comes to asking their LNP Member what their position on "VAD" is. One Nation, as a Party Policy, opposes Voluntary Assisted Dying.
The Qld Premier has committed to allowing all her Labor Members a conscience vote and the majority support this legislation. She has committed to bringing this on in February next year should she regain power, fast-tracking the process that is currently with the Qld Law Reform Commission.
The Greens also have a Party Policy that supports Voluntary Assisted Dying Legislation and all of their members support Voluntary Assisted Dying.
So, if this issue is as important to you, as it is to us, then it's a vote for the ALP or The Greens.
HOW TO VOTE:
Make sure that you number every box on the ballot paper, 1 through to 6 in the order of your preference (1 being your preferred candidate). How to vote cards handed out at booths by different parties mean diddly squat - that's them telling you which order they want you to vote! You decide!
So a 1 against your ALP or Greens representative, and a 2 against the ALP or Greens representative (depending on who is your number 1) will see Voluntary Assisted Dying get over the line. A number of Independents are also running - make sure you ask them about their views and support on Voluntary Assisted Dying before you complete the ballot paper.
A vote for the LNP, One Nation or the Katter Party will see Voluntary Assisted Dying buried forever and we've done too much work to get this to where it is today.