THE POLITICAL WORLD OF VOLUNTARY ASSISTED DYING - LEADING UP TO THE QLD STATE ELECTION:

Firstly, I would like to thank all supporters/advocates across Queensland (and Australia!) who have invested so much time sharing with me their own stories, why they support this legislation and for their own advocacy leading up to this very important Qld State Election which will determine whether or not Voluntary Assisted Dying Legislation progresses in QLD or disappears off the agenda for years.

Secondly, when I began full-time advocacy, along with many others, 4 years ago, never in my wildest dreams could I have understood just how political this fight was going to be, or the dirty political tactics - in some instances - at play. For me, this is a basic human-rights' issue - not a political or a religious issue.

A few weeks ago the "My Life My Choice Partners" asked all political candidates what they described as two basic in-principle questions which do not rely on seeing any draft VAD Bill. The My Life My Choice Partners asked candidates two questions to determine the strength of their support for voluntary assisted dying.

QUESTION 1:
Do you, as a matter of principle support the right of Queenslanders to have the choice of seeking access to a system of voluntary assisted dying under appropriate protections and safeguards, if they have a terminal illness or neurological condition causing them intolerable suffering?

QUESTION 2:
Would you, as an MP in the Queensland Parliament ensure your vote on a VAD Bill reflects the wishes of your constituents?

Every Candidate had the opportunity to respond YES/NO.

In addition, supporters/advocates of "VAD", through a number of lobbying groups in Queensland, were asked to canvas their local MPs/Candidates and post the position of those Candidates because supporters want to know YES/NO whether they support this legislation BEFORE the State Election - NOT "it's a complex issue", "I'd need to see a Bill" nor the usual slippery slope arguments presented through misinformation presented by opposers. Feedback has been published about the responses of candidates being canvassed through a range of advocacy pages and also from the community who have taken the time to listen to their local political debate forums and determine how their local candidates were positioned on Voluntary Assisted Dying by the comments that were made.

Candidates had the opportunity to say YES/NO and request more information if they were not clear. Let's not forget QLD has had an 18 months Inquiry into Voluntary Assisted Dying with strong recommendations from the Committee Inquiry for the introduction of legislation. All of this information is available on the Qld parliamentary website.

There have also been a number of regional political debate forums where candidates had the opportunity to say YES/NO in support. For those sitting on the fence - those talking about "slippery slopes" - all advocates for Voluntary Assisted Dying have come to appreciate that this is a way of dodging and weaving a commitment. In some cases it is an indication that they don't have enough information at hand and need to read the Qld Voluntary Assisted Dying Parliamentary Report and the Recommendations whilst also looking at what has happened in Victoria, Western Australia before legislation was passed in those states and now the proposed Bill at Committee stage in Tasmania.

Talking about slippery slopes and the legislation being dangerous sends a clear message to advocates that a Candidate/MP is not on board. Queenslanders want a commitment leading up to this very important State Election.

We have two major parties who have a Voluntary Assisted Dying Policy:  The ALP (Labor Party) and The Greens - that's where our support will come from to ensure that "VAD" progresses, along with the support of those Independents (a limited number) who also support.  Sandy Bolton MP for Noosa and new Currumbin Independent Candidate Dr Richard Stuckey have publicly stated their support of Voluntary Assisted Dying.

Please take the time to check, before you vote, where your local candidates sit before you vote.  Remember to number every box on the ballot paper - 1 being your top preference, 2 your second, etc.

We have everything crossed for next Saturday's election.

Thank you!

Tanya