Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

I present the government's response to the report of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee on its inquiry into the exposure draft of the Medical Services (Dying with Dignity) Bill 2014. I seek leave to incorporate the document in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The document read as follows—

Australian Government response to recommendations of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee in its report:

Medical Services (Dying with Dignity)

Exposure Draft Bill 2014

November 2016

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SENATE LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE INQUIRY INTO THE MEDICAL SERVICES (DYING WITH DIGNITY) EXPOSURE DRAFT BILL 2014

Introduction

The Australian Government welcomes the consideration by the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee (the Committee) of the Medical Services (Dying with Dignity) Exposure Draft Bill 2014.

The Medical Services (Dying with Dignity) Exposure Draft Bill 2014 (the Bill) is a Private Senator's exposure draft Bill, prepared by Senator Richard Di Natale of the Australian Greens.

On 24 June 2014, the Senate referred the Bill to the Committee for inquiry into the rights of terminally ill people to seek assistance with ending their lives, and an appropriate framework with safeguards.

On 10 November 2014, the Committee released its report, providing two recommendations. The Government has noted the two recommendations.

The following Australian Government departments were consulted in preparing this response:

Recommendations

Noted

The Government notes that this recommendation is directed to Senator Di Natale for action.

Noted

The Government notes this recommendation. The approach to this issue will be a matter for party leaders to consider should a Bill come before the Parliament.