Decision Making Power Should Reside in NT

The Territory Opposition has backed the recommendations of the Senate Committee that will see Senator Bob Brown’s Bill on voluntary euthanasia amended so that instead of reinstating the old legislation, the Territory is given the capacity to legislate in the area.

“As I have maintained along this is not about euthanasia, it is about reinstating the right of Territorians to have their will expressed through our Parliament,” says Terry Mill, Leader of the Opposition.

“I urge both the Labor Party and the Coalition to support this legislation.

“The Chief Minister should start lobbying his Canberra colleagues to ensure Territorians are given back the right to decide for themselves.

“The current situation makes Territorians have been made second class citizens in their own jurisdiction.

“It is wrong for Canberra to decide whether Territorians have access to voluntary euthanasia – that is a decision for Territorians alone.

“Whilst I personally don’t support voluntary euthanasia, I strongly believe that is a decision for the Territory Parliament and the people of the Northern Territory.”

2008-06-27