THE euthanasia was debate ignited at last week’s MacKillop candidate forum, with the three political aspirants in attendance presenting polarising views to the audience on legislative change allowing assisted dying for the terminally ill.
Nick McBride (Liberal), Richard Bateman (Australian Conservatives) and Jon Ey (independent) squared off on the right-to-die issue at the Wirrega Women in Agriculture and Business Forum, with Mr McBride warning he would “divide half the room” by expressing his personal support for voluntary assisted dying.
“I’m actually in favour of a euthanasia Bill with all the rules and regulations it requires to look after everyone that wants to be looked after,” he said.
“I believe in fair choice, I believe in freedom of choice and I believe in people’s right to make those choices.
“When I talk about regulations, the regulations are to protect people so the choices are made for them.”
Independent candidate Jon Ey said he was “on the bench” on the issue
“I have not read enough, I have not thought enough about it,” he said.
“There are really strong arguments for and against, so I’m not going to give you an answer.”
Australian Conservatives candidate for MacKillop Richard Bateman abstained from expressing his opinion on the issue, bringing the party’s $24b palliative care pledge into the spotlight instead.
“This is an issue that will be ongoing and in 10 years time it might be different, but at this stage I think we need to make sure we have good palliative care for those who need it and supporting the families,” he said.
“Robert Brokenshire has done a lot of work and he wants to have $24b into palliative care for rural and regional areas as much as the city.
“We need to be on more of a level playing field with this sort of issue.
“The current state where most people sit is life is life and life should be preserved.”
