Choice when to die should be allowed

REGARDING the letter by Ron Beattie (Daily, May 15), it is indeed time the voluntary assisted dying legislation was put to the parliament and hopefully passed with bipartisan support.

As Ron mentioned, about 85 per cent of Queenslanders agree with a law to allow voluntary assisted dying.

Keep in mind it would be voluntary, and we should have the right to the choice – to die at a time of our choosing and with dignity.

For more than a year, VAD has been the subject of an inquiry committee that has travelled throughout the state listening to what the people want, both for and against.

Unfortunately, two Liberal National Party committee members — the LNP Member for Caloundra and the LNP Member for Nicklin — disagree with the recommendations.

This issue is an important and emotional one for many and it is hoped that it is not turned into a polarising political football by the Opposition in this election year.

While the Government does have its hands full with the COVID-19 pandemic, let us all hope they find time, before the end of October, as Ron said, “ … to provide a humane alternative to assist in relieving the suffering, both physical and mental, of many Queenslanders”.

We have been waiting a long time for voluntary assisted dying legislation. Let’s get this done.

ROBYN DEANE, Bli Bli