[Edited extract from public address]
What: A Victorian parliamentary inquiry is seeking community views on the need for laws to allow people broader scope in their end of life choices.
Why:
Chair of the Victorian Parliament’s Legal and Social Issues Committee, Edward O’Donohue, said the inquiry is an opportunity for all Victorians to have their say on an issue that affects everyone.
“The Committee will be carefully examining all the issues around end of life care including palliative care, the practices of physicians assisting at this stage, practices in other jurisdictions and the current framework of legislation.” Mr O’Donohue said.
“Over the coming months we will be talking to medical and legal experts, and a broad range of groups and individuals for whom this is a crucial issue.
“The Victorian Parliament’s Legal and Social Issues Committee is committed to investigating whether we are meeting community expectations.
The Committee has called for written submissions which focus on:
• How current medical practices and palliative care assist those managing their end of life
• How end of life is managed in other Australian and international jurisdictions
• Potential legislative changes that may be required and the impact of federal laws.
How: Details about how to make a submission or contribute at a public hearing can be found on the Committee’s website www.parliament.vic.gov.au/lsic.
When: Submissions closed on 31 July.
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Victorian Parliament’s Legal and Social Issues CommitteeEnquiries: Lilian Topic, Committee Secretary - 03 8682 2928 or 0417 322 053.
Website www.parliament.vic.gov.au/lsic