Bob Hawke fights for euthanasia legalisation in Australia
Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, 86, is joining in the fight to legalise euthanasia in Australia. Hawke, who says he has already discussed his end-of-life wishes with wife Blanche D’Alpuget, told Andrew Denton on his podcast Better Off Dead, believes it is “absurd that euthanasia is not legal in this country.”
“I am more than happy for my name to be associated with a clear statement of belief that the time has come where we in Australia should have clear legislation on our books that makes euthanasia legal,” he said.
Hawke went on to say that he would rather be able to make the decision now, while he is still mentally able, rather than when it is too late. Hawke is part of the majority of Australians, 70 per cent of whom support the introduction of assisted dying laws – only 12 per cent of people polled were completely opposed, according to a 2012 poll.
Since 1997, over 30 attempts have been made to legalise euthanasia in Australia but all have been quashed by state, territory and federal MPs. There are currently bills being put forth or debated in South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. Assisted dying legislation was passed in Northern Territory in 1995 but only lasted two years before it was overturned by the federal government.
“Well, politicians are by and large not the bravest of creatures,” says Hawke. “They have a preeminent interest in retaining the seat they hold in the parliament, whatever parliament it is, and if they detect that there is no support and there is a degree of antagonism against this particular proposal you won’t find very much courage there.”
Image: Mark Brake
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