Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson begins consultation on NSW Parliament’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill as Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall reports…

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SIX WEEKS after Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall took the issue to the public, Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson will ask the community whether he should vote for a new bill to legalise euthanasia. The MP kicked off an electorate-wide consultation process on a new bill to legalise and regulate medically-assisted suicide on Thursday. Deputy Premier and Nationals leader John Barilaro told media this week that every Nationals MP but one would likely back the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021, introduced by Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich. The bill will be a conscience vote, with government MPs not bound by the party to vote either way on the legislation. READ MORE: Mr Anderson said "the majority view of the electorate" will be the position he will take to NSW parliament. He received the final draft of the bill on Wednesday afternoon and, on Thursday, announced he will undertake an election-wide consultation process. The campaign will include a survey on his website, a mail-out, an email blast and an "extensive media campaign". "The Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill covers a very important issue and the community deserves the opportunity to drive the decision making on this," he said. "Significant changes have been made since early drafts of the bill were distributed, which is why I wanted to ensure the final draft, which will be presented in parliament, went to the public for consultation." Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall started his own consultation campaign in August. Of 2,671 responses so far, nearly 80 per cent were in favour of the bill, he said on Thursday. "I have my own strong personal views on this issue and the bill, however, I will be speaking and voting on the bill in accordance with the wishes of the Northern Tablelands community," he said. "That's why I want to hear from as many people as possible, to ensure I can reflect as best I can the overall views of our region." Only people who are terminally ill and diagnosed to die within six months, or 12 months for a neurodegenerative condition, will be eligible for medically-assisted suicide under the bill. The patient must also be enduring extreme suffering that cannot be alleviated. Approval requires two doctors, and both must undertake training to be eligible to assess a patient for eligibility. Want more local news? Subscribe to the Leader to read it here first There will also be multiple assessments to ensure the patient is acting voluntarily, and severe new punishments for people who put someone under duress to die. The bill will also allow doctors and other health practitioners to conscientiously object to the process and exempt themselves from being involved. Mr Anderson encouraged everyone in the community to have their say on the bill. "Thank you to all those in our community who have already contacted my office on this important issue. Please be assured that your voice will be heard," he said. The bill may be introduced to parliament at the end of this year, or in 2022. Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:

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September 23 2021 - 3:00PM

SIX WEEKS after Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall took the issue to the public, Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson will ask the community whether he should vote for a new bill to legalise euthanasia.

The MP kicked off an electorate-wide consultation process on a new bill to legalise and regulate medically-assisted suicide on Thursday.

Deputy Premier and Nationals leader John Barilaro told media this week that every Nationals MP but one would likely back the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021, introduced by Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich.

The bill will be a conscience vote, with government MPs not bound by the party to vote either way on the legislation.

Mr Anderson said "the majority view of the electorate" will be the position he will take to NSW parliament.

He received the final draft of the bill on Wednesday afternoon and, on Thursday, announced he will undertake an election-wide consultation process.

The campaign will include a survey on his website, a mail-out, an email blast and an "extensive media campaign".

"The Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill covers a very important issue and the community deserves the opportunity to drive the decision making on this," he said.

"Significant changes have been made since early drafts of the bill were distributed, which is why I wanted to ensure the final draft, which will be presented in parliament, went to the public for consultation."

Of 2,671 responses so far, nearly 80 per cent were in favour of the bill, he said on Thursday.

"I have my own strong personal views on this issue and the bill, however, I will be speaking and voting on the bill in accordance with the wishes of the Northern Tablelands community," he said.

"That's why I want to hear from as many people as possible, to ensure I can reflect as best I can the overall views of our region."

Only people who are terminally ill and diagnosed to die within six months, or 12 months for a neurodegenerative condition, will be eligible for medically-assisted suicide under the bill. The patient must also be enduring extreme suffering that cannot be alleviated.

Approval requires two doctors, and both must undertake training to be eligible to assess a patient for eligibility.

There will also be multiple assessments to ensure the patient is acting voluntarily, and severe new punishments for people who put someone under duress to die.

The bill will also allow doctors and other health practitioners to conscientiously object to the process and exempt themselves from being involved.

Mr Anderson encouraged everyone in the community to have their say on the bill.

"Thank you to all those in our community who have already contacted my office on this important issue. Please be assured that your voice will be heard," he said.

The bill may be introduced to parliament at the end of this year, or in 2022.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:

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Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson begins consultation on NSW Parliament's Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill as Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall reports...