CLP fielding slew of amendments to VAD bill from its own backbenchers
Last month, the NT government all but guaranteed laws to introduce voluntary assisted dying would pass in parliament, but a week out from a conscience vote, several CLP backbenchers have proposed amendments to the bill.
Several Country Liberal Party (CLP) backbenchers have proposed amendments to their party's Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) bill as the debate approaches a historic conscience vote. The bill, introduced last month, would legalise VAD in the Northern Territory, but critics argue it requires a 12-month end-of-life prognosis and prevents health workers from discussing VAD with patients.
CLP Member for Fong Lim Tanzil Rahman is among those planning to introduce amendments, stating there is broad recognition the bill needs improvement. Rahman's amendments would remove the 12-month prognosis period and establish a clearer definition of advanced terminal illness. He also aims to lift the gag clause, allowing health workers to initiate conversations about VAD with eligible patients while informing them of palliative care options.
Another CLP Member for Fannie Bay, Laurie Zio, has similarly proposed amendments to remove both the prognosis period and the gag clause. While the government believes it has enough votes to pass the bill in its current form, Zio is uncertain about the outcome of the amendment proposals. The CLP faces pressure from within its ranks to make changes to the bill, with some members urging a reduction of restrictions.
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