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Tragic flaw sees man use voluntary assisted dying drugs prescribed for his wife

Warning: This article contains discussions of suicide and depression that some readers may find upsetting A Queensland coroner has criticised the state's voluntary assisted dying laws, after an elderly man took his own life using drugs prescribed for his wife. The Coroner's Court in Brisbane held an inquest into the May 2023 death of a man in his 80s, referred to by the pseudonym ABC. The man's partner, who had a terminal illness, was found eligible for the voluntary assisted dying [VAD] program in March 2023. Under that law a person can self-administer a VAD substance in a private location but they must nominate a "contact person" who will be legally required to return any unused or leftover portion within 14 days. The self-administered drug was delivered to the couple's home a month later, and the man was the "contact person" responsible for the substance. On the same day the drug arrived, his wife was admitted to hospital with Covid, where they decided to take an intravenous VAD drug. She died in hospital on May 8, 2023. The man was told to return the drug within two days of his partner's death, but he failed to do so, using it to take his own life eight days later. He did not return the drug as he was unable to leave his home, and there was no arrangement made for a health professional to collect it. ABC’s adult daughter recalled the moment she found her lifeless father after returning from running errands. “I thought he was asleep in the chair. I put my arms around him. He was cold,” she told the inquest. The woman became emotional and said that she found an empty box in the kitchen and “knew immediately it was the VAD”. In his findings, coroner David O’Connell said he was not judging the merits of VAD, but it had led to a "tragedy" only 107 days after it was legalised. “Persons should not be placed in a position where they can be led into unwise decisions,” the coroner said in his findings handed down on Wednesday. O'Connell said that the laws had failed to find a balance between a patient's autonomy and lethal medication safety. “The VAD law has (the substance) provided to persons with no medical training, no regulatory oversight, and in a period of great personal and emotional turmoil,” he said. The inquest heard ABC had previously been diagnosed with, and received medication for depression, which should've been considered before approving someone as a contact person. "The fact that ABC had been medically diagnosed with depression and took medication was not something the VAD authorities considered, or even enquired on, when approving them to be a Contact Person. Indeed, there are simply no checks or enquiries of the Contact Person's suitability," he said. He added that while there was no breach of protocol or legislative processes by QVAD personnel, it was "not a well-considered law". O'Connell recommended the Queensland government implement an earlier draft of VAD laws that required oversight by a medical professional at all times. Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said the government would consider the coroner’s recommendations. “Following that case, we are working on a review of that legislation coming up to three years that will start next year, and that will obviously be one of the things that we look at,” she said. Image: Shutterstock

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What happens if you want access to voluntary assisted dying but your nursing home won’t let you?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/neera-bhatia-15189">Neera Bhatia</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/charles-corke-167297">Charles Corke</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> Voluntary assisted dying is now lawful in <a href="https://theconversation.com/voluntary-assisted-dying-will-soon-be-legal-in-all-states-heres-whats-just-happened-in-nsw-and-what-it-means-for-you-183355">all Australian states</a>. There is also <a href="https://nationalseniors.com.au/uploads/VAD-Report-correct-month-12.8.21.pdf">widespread community support</a> for it. Yet some residential institutions, such as hospices and aged-care facilities, are obstructing access despite the law not specifying whether they have the legal right to do so. As voluntary assisted dying is implemented across the country, institutions blocking access to it will likely become more of an issue. So addressing this will help everyone – institutions, staff, families and, most importantly, people dying in institutions who wish to have control of their end. <h2>The many ways to block access</h2> While voluntary assisted dying legislation recognises the right of doctors to <a href="https://theconversation.com/was-take-on-assisted-dying-has-many-similarities-with-the-victorian-law-and-some-important-differences-121554">conscientiously object</a> to it, the law is generally silent on the rights of institutions to do so. While the institution where someone lives has no legislated role in voluntary assisted dying, it can refuse access in various ways, including: <ul> <li> restricting staff responding to a discussion a resident initiates about voluntary assisted dying </li> <li> refusing access to health professionals to facilitate it, and </li> <li> requiring people who wish to pursue the option to leave the facility. </li> </ul> <h2>Here’s what happened to ‘Mary’</h2> Here is a hypothetical example based on cases one of us (Charles Corke) has learned of via his role at Victoria’s <a href="https://www.safercare.vic.gov.au/about/vadrb">Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board</a>. We have chosen to combine several different cases into one, to respect the confidentiality of the individuals and organisations involved. “Mary” was a 72-year-old widow who moved into a private aged-care facility when she could no longer manage independently in her own home due to advanced lung disease. While her intellect remained intact, she accepted she had reached a stage at which she needed significant assistance. She appreciated the help she received. She liked the staff and they liked her. After a year in the facility, during which time her lung disease got much worse, Mary decided she wanted access to voluntary assisted dying. Her children were supportive, particularly as this desire was consistent with Mary’s longstanding views. Mary was open about her wish with the nursing home staff she felt were her friends. The executive management of the nursing home heard of her intentions. This resulted in a visit at which Mary was told, in no uncertain terms, her wish to access voluntary assisted dying would not be allowed. She would be required to move out, unless she agreed to change her mind. Mary was upset. Her family was furious. She really didn’t want to move, but really wanted to continue with voluntary assisted dying “in her current home” (as she saw it). Mary decided to continue with her wish. Her family took her to see two doctors registered to provide assessments for voluntary assisted dying, who didn’t work at the facility. Mary was deemed eligible and the permit was granted. Two pharmacists visited Mary at the nursing home, gave her the medication and instructed her how to mix it and take it. These actions required no active participation from the nursing home or its staff. Family and friends arranged to visit at the time Mary indicated she planned to take the medication. She died peacefully, on her own terms, as she wished. The family informed the nursing home staff their mother had died. Neither family nor staff mentioned voluntary assisted dying. <h2>Staff are in a difficult position too</h2> There is widespread community support for voluntary assisted dying. In a 2021 survey by National Seniors Australia, <a href="https://nationalseniors.com.au/uploads/VAD-Report-correct-month-12.8.21.pdf">more than 85%</a> of seniors agreed it should be available. So it’s likely there will be staff who are supportive in most institutions. For instance, in a survey of attitudes to voluntary assisted dying in a large public tertiary hospital, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/imj.15285">88% of staff</a> supported it becoming lawful. So a blanket policy to refuse dying patients access to voluntary assisted dying is likely to place staff in a difficult position. An institution risks creating a toxic workplace culture, in which clandestine communication and fear become entrenched. <h2>What could we do better?</h2> 1. Institutions need to be up-front about their policies Institutions need to be completely open about their policies on voluntary assisted dying and whether they would obstruct any such request in the future. This is so patients and families can factor this into deciding on an institution in the first place. 2. Institutions need to consult their stakeholders Institutions should consult their stakeholders about their policy with a view to creating a “<a href="https://bmcpalliatcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12904-021-00891-3">safe</a>” environment for residents and staff – for those who want access to voluntary assisted dying or who wish to support it, and for those who don’t want it and find it confronting. 3. Laws need to change Future legislation should define the extent of an institution’s right to obstruct a resident’s right to access voluntary assisted dying. There should be safeguards in all states (as is already legislated <a href="https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tp/2021/5721T707.pdf">in Queensland</a>), including the ability for individuals to be referred in sufficient time to another institution, should they wish to access voluntary assisted dying. Other states should consider whether it is reasonable to permit a resident, who does not wish to move, to be able to stay and proceed with their wish, without direct involvement of the institution. <hr /> The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Victoria’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/183364/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/neera-bhatia-15189">Neera Bhatia</a>, Associate Professor in Law, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/charles-corke-167297">Charles Corke</a>, Associate Professor of Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-happens-if-you-want-access-to-voluntary-assisted-dying-but-your-nursing-home-wont-let-you-183364">original article</a>. </div>

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People with dementia aren’t currently eligible for voluntary assisted dying. Should they be?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ben-white-15387">Ben White</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/casey-haining-1486290">Casey Haining</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lindy-willmott-15386">Lindy Willmott</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rachel-feeney-140352">Rachel Feeney</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a> Dementia is the <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia">second leading cause of death</a> for Australians aged over 65. More than 421,000 Australians <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia">currently live with dementia</a> and this figure is expected to almost double in the next 30 years. There is ongoing public <a href="https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2024/220/9/should-voluntary-assisted-dying-victoria-be-extended-encompass-people-dementia">discussion</a> about whether dementia should be a qualifying illness under Australian voluntary assisted dying laws. Voluntary assisted dying is <a href="https://www.unswlawjournal.unsw.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Issue-464-10-Waller-et-al.pdf">now lawful in all six states</a>, but is not available for a person living with dementia. The Australian Capital Territory has <a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8631104/marisa-paterson-to-consult-on-voluntary-assisted-dying-amendments/?cs=14329">begun debating</a> its voluntary assisted dying bill in parliament but the government has <a href="https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/DownloadFile/es/db_68610/current/PDF/db_68610.PDF">ruled out</a> access for dementia. Its view is that a person should retain decision-making capacity throughout the process. But the bill includes a requirement to <a href="https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/b/db_68609/">revisit the issue</a> in three years. The Northern Territory is also considering reform and <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnation%2Fpolitics%2Fconcerning-territory-nt-surveys-public-support-on-euthanasia-for-mentally-ill%2Fnews-story%2F4e45111bb293af4cf32ac3c6df058869&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPA-Segment-2-NOSCORE&V21spcbehaviour=append">has invited views</a> on access to voluntary assisted dying for dementia. Several public figures have also entered the debate. Most recently, former Australian Chief Scientist, Ian Chubb, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/melbourne-drive/voluntary-assisted-dying-dementia-victoria/103467864">called for the law to be widened</a> to allow access. Others <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/voluntary-assisted-dying-should-not-be-available-to-dementia-patients-20230607-p5deqo.html">argue</a> permitting voluntary assisted dying for dementia would present unacceptable risks to this vulnerable group. <h2>Australian laws exclude access for dementia</h2> Current Australian voluntary assisted dying laws <a href="https://www.unswlawjournal.unsw.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Issue-464-10-Waller-et-al.pdf">exclude access</a> for people who seek to qualify because they have dementia. In New South Wales, the <a href="https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2022-017">law specifically states</a> this. In the other states, this occurs through a <a href="https://www.unswlawjournal.unsw.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Issue-451-White-et-al.pdf">combination of the eligibility criteria</a>: a person whose dementia is so advanced that they are likely to die within the 12 month timeframe would be highly unlikely to retain the necessary decision-making capacity to request voluntary assisted dying. This does not mean people who have dementia cannot access voluntary assisted dying if they also have a terminal illness. For example, a person who retains decision-making capacity in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease with terminal cancer may access voluntary assisted dying. <h2>What happens internationally?</h2> Voluntary assisted dying laws in some other countries allow access for people living with dementia. One mechanism, used in the Netherlands, is through <a href="https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jgs.16692">advance directives or advance requests</a>. This means a person can specify in advance the conditions under which they would want to have voluntary assisted dying when they no longer have decision-making capacity. This approach depends on the person’s family identifying when those conditions have been satisfied, generally in consultation with the person’s doctor. Another approach to accessing voluntary assisted dying is to allow a person with dementia to choose to access it while they still have capacity. This involves regularly assessing capacity so that just before the person is predicted to lose the ability to make a decision about voluntary assisted dying, they can seek assistance to die. In Canada, this has been referred to as the “<a href="https://www.unswlawjournal.unsw.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Issue-451-White-et-al.pdf">ten minutes to midnight</a>” approach. <h2>But these approaches have challenges</h2> International experience reveals these approaches have limitations. For advance directives, it can be difficult to specify the conditions for activating the advance directive accurately. It also requires a family member to initiate this with the doctor. Evidence also shows doctors are <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1472-6939-16-7">reluctant</a> to act on advance directives. Particularly challenging are <a href="https://bmcmedethics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12910-019-0401-y">scenarios</a> where a person with dementia who requested voluntary assisted dying in an advance directive later appears happy and content, or no longer expresses a desire to access voluntary assisted dying. Allowing access for people with dementia who retain decision-making capacity also has practical problems. Despite regular assessments, a person may lose capacity in between them, meaning they miss the window before midnight to choose voluntary assisted dying. These capacity assessments can also be very complex. Also, under this approach, a person is required to make such a decision at an early stage in their illness and may lose years of otherwise enjoyable life. Some also argue that regardless of the approach taken, allowing access to voluntary assisted dying would involve unacceptable risks to a vulnerable group. <h2>More thought is needed before changing our laws</h2> There is <a href="https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Documents/TableOffice/TabledPapers/2020/5620T490.pdf">public demand</a> to allow access to voluntary assisted dying for dementia in Australia. The mandatory reviews of voluntary assisted dying legislation <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/ah/pdf/AH23005">present an opportunity</a> to consider such reform. These reviews generally happen after three to five years, and in some states they will occur regularly. The scope of these reviews can vary and sometimes governments may not wish to consider changes to the legislation. But the Queensland review “<a href="https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/asmade/act-2021-017">must include a review of the eligibility criteria</a>”. And the ACT bill requires the review to <a href="https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/b/db_68609/">consider</a> “advanced care planning”. Both reviews would require consideration of who is able to access voluntary assisted dying, which opens the door for people living with dementia. This is particularly so for the ACT review, as advance care planning means allowing people to request voluntary assisted dying in the future when they have lost capacity. This is a complex issue, and more thinking is needed about whether this public desire for voluntary assisted dying for dementia should be implemented. And, if so, how the practice could occur safely, and in a way that is acceptable to the health professionals who will be asked to provide it. This will require a careful review of existing international models and their practical implementation as well as what would be feasible and appropriate in Australia. Any future law reform should be <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/AH/AH19201">evidence-based</a> and draw on the views of people living with dementia, their family caregivers, and the health professionals who would be relied on to support these decisions.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/224075/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ben-white-15387">Ben White</a>, Professor of End-of-Life Law and Regulation, Australian Centre for Health Law Research, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/casey-haining-1486290">Casey Haining</a>, Research Fellow, Australian Centre for Health Law Research, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lindy-willmott-15386">Lindy Willmott</a>, Professor of Law, Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rachel-feeney-140352">Rachel Feeney</a>, Postdoctoral research fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/people-with-dementia-arent-currently-eligible-for-voluntary-assisted-dying-should-they-be-224075">original article</a>. </div>

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People thinking of voluntary assisted dying may be able to donate their organs. We need to start talking about this

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/robert-ray-1441988">Robert Ray</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> The number of people needing an organ transplant vastly outweighs the number of organs available. <a href="https://www.donatelife.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-02/OTA%202022%20Donation%20and%20Transplantation%20Activity%20Report.pdf">In 2022</a> there were about 1,800 Australians waiting for an organ but only about 1,200 people received an organ transplant. But in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/imj.16085">a recent paper</a>, I outline one unexplored option for increasing the number of potential organ donors in Australia – transplanting organs from people undergoing voluntary assisted dying. This would involve transplanting organs only after someone had died. It’s estimated <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2616383">about 10%</a> of people eligible for voluntary assisted dying are likely to be medically suitable to donate their organs. Based on <a href="https://www.safercare.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-09/Voluntary%20Assisted%20Dying%20Review%20Board%20Report%20of%20Operations%20July%202021-June%2022_FINAL.pdf">Victorian figures</a> alone, this could lead to about an extra 40 potential organ donors each year. This type of organ donation has taken place <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9297969/">for more than 20 years</a> in Europe, and more recently in Canada. Organs transplanted from donors undergoing voluntary assisted dying <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/article-abstract/2769118">have</a> <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ajt.16267">similar</a> <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ajt.16971">success rates</a> to more traditional donations. Yet, this is a discussion we’ve yet to have in Australia. Here are some of the ethical and practical issues we need to start talking about. <h2>Is this ethical? It’s tricky</h2> The main ethical challenge is ensuring a person isn’t motivated to end their life prematurely so they can donate their organs. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ajt.13746">Internationally</a>, <a href="https://jme.bmj.com/content/42/8/486.short">this challenge</a> is mainly addressed by having <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1600613523000291">independent assessments</a> by multiple doctors. This is to ensure the motivation is genuine and honest, much like assessing someone before voluntary assisted dying. Similarly, it is important the doctor of someone undergoing voluntary assisted dying isn’t persuading them to donate an organ. This means any doctor overseeing voluntary assisted dying may be limited in how much they can discuss organ donation with their patient. Again, this <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ajt.13746">has been managed internationally</a> by having separate, independent doctors overseeing organ donation and voluntary assisted dying, <a href="https://www.cmaj.ca/content/190/44/E1305.short">without one influencing</a> the other. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/528192/original/file-20230525-27-sjwdaa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/528192/original/file-20230525-27-sjwdaa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/528192/original/file-20230525-27-sjwdaa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=437&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/528192/original/file-20230525-27-sjwdaa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=437&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/528192/original/file-20230525-27-sjwdaa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=437&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/528192/original/file-20230525-27-sjwdaa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=549&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/528192/original/file-20230525-27-sjwdaa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=549&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/528192/original/file-20230525-27-sjwdaa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=549&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Elderly woman in bed hand on covers" /></a><figcaption>Is this what people really want, with so little time left? <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/senior-woman-laying-on-bed-hospital-1054837748">Shutterstock</a></figcaption></figure> Organ donation may also affect the way voluntary assisted dying is conducted, which <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1600613523000291">may impact</a> participants’ very limited quality of life. That’s because determining if someone is eligible to donate an organ involves a number of <a href="https://jme.bmj.com/content/43/9/601.short">investigations</a>. These may include blood tests, radiology (imaging) and numerous clinical encounters to exclude diseases such as cancer, which would prevent someone donating their organs. These investigations may be exhausting but necessary. This burden must be weighed against the participant’s wishes and motivation to donate their organs. So people must also be informed of the impact organ donation will have on their limited life left. The choices of people considering this option must be respected and they must be given multiple opportunities to review their decision, without undue influence or bias. <h2>Practical issues: coordination, location, regulation</h2> Practically, combining organ donation and voluntary assisted dying is <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ajt.13746">challenging</a>. This includes the difficulty organising and coordinating specialists in organ donation, voluntary assisted dying and transplantation. This is why, internationally, organ donation of this nature mostly occurs in large hospitals, where it’s easier to coordinate. So if people want to donate an organ this way, they may spend their last moments in an unfamiliar environment. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/528195/original/file-20230525-15-irsqg9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/528195/original/file-20230525-15-irsqg9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/528195/original/file-20230525-15-irsqg9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/528195/original/file-20230525-15-irsqg9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/528195/original/file-20230525-15-irsqg9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/528195/original/file-20230525-15-irsqg9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/528195/original/file-20230525-15-irsqg9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/528195/original/file-20230525-15-irsqg9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Patient being wheeled on stretcher through hospital corridors" /></a><figcaption>People may have to be moved to a large hospital with the facilities and staff on hand. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/surgeon-assistant-team-transport-move-stretcher-2062330820">Shutterstock</a></figcaption></figure> Efforts have been made <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/article-abstract/2776765">internationally</a> to prioritise these valuable last moments by giving people the choice of where voluntary assisted dying occurs (<a href="https://www.cmaj.ca/content/190/44/E1305.short">such as their home</a>). But this currently only occurs in a minority of cases and increases the complexity of organ donation. Regulating the process is also essential to developing a safe, trustworthy and effective program. Ideally a centralised organisation such as Australia’s national <a href="https://www.donatelife.gov.au">Organ and Tissue Authority</a> would organise, undertake and regulate this. However, this may be challenging given voluntary assisted dying practices are specific to each state. <h2>The challenges ahead</h2> If someone considering voluntary assisted dying wants to donate their organs and is deemed eligible, there is currently <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/imj.16085">no legal barrier in Australia</a> to stop them. What might prevent them is how their doctor responds, and whether there are the services and organisations willing to fulfil this request ethically and practically. The next step in considering this form of organ donation is to discuss the prospect publicly. Every extra donated organ is potentially lifesaving. So we should make every effort to consider potential safe and ethical ways to increase donation and transplantation rates.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/206298/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/robert-ray-1441988">Robert Ray</a>, Affiliate Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> Image credit: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/people-thinking-of-voluntary-assisted-dying-may-be-able-to-donate-their-organs-we-need-to-start-talking-about-this-206298">original article</a>.

Body

Federal Budget 2023: How to make the most of the key promises

Treasurer Jim Charles has handed down his first budget for 2023/24, offering a series of measures aimed at tackling the cost-of-living crisis. Millions of Australians will receive a boost from the federal government medical care, bills and welfare payments, amid the forecast that the budget will be be in the black with a surplus of $4bn. Here’s what it means for you: Bill help Those who are on the pension, a seniors card holder or a recipient of family tax benefits A and B will be eligible to get help with energy bills thanks to a deal between the states and Commonwealth that’s worth $1.5bn. That means over five million eligible households and one million eligible small businesses will benefit from the scheme. The relief will come in the form of credits that apply directly to their power bills rather than cash, and the amount they receive will depend on the state they live in. Medicare Relief The incentives paid to GPs who bulk bill 11.6m eligible Australians including children under 16, pensioners and other concession card holders will increase. GPs will be able to claim the incentives for in-person consultations over six minutes long and certain telehealth consultations. GPs who bulk bill patients in the city will be paid a new incentive of $20.65 compared to the previous rate of $6.60, while regional GPs will receive a $31.40 incentive, up from $10.05. Welfare recipients Over 1.1 million vulnerable Australians will benefit from a $40 fortnightly boost from September, if parliament agrees. The increased base rate will apply to people receiving JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment (partnered), ABSTUDY, Disability Support Pension (Youth) and Special Benefit. Rental assistance For many renters, this budget means that rent is forecasted to increase over the next year as the market tightens. However, for those currently receiving the maximum Commonwealth Rent Assistance allowance their payments will increase by 15 per cent. Here’s what the Federal Budget will look like at a glance: <ul> <li dir="ltr"> Budget deficit of $13.9 billion in 2023/24 </li> <li dir="ltr"> Commonwealth net debt to rise to $574.9 billion (22.3 per cent of GDP) in 2023/24 </li> <li dir="ltr"> Economic growth to fall to 1.5 per cent in 2023/24 </li> <li dir="ltr"> Unemployment rate to rise to 4.25 per cent in 2023/24 </li> <li dir="ltr"> Inflation as measured by CPI to be 3.25 per cent in 2023/24 </li> <li dir="ltr"> Wages to rise by four per cent in 2023/24 </li> </ul> And here are the key measures the federal budget has promised: <ul> <li dir="ltr"> Energy bill relief for five million households and one million businesses </li> <li dir="ltr"> Triple bulk-billing incentives and more funding for urgent care clinics </li> <li dir="ltr"> Base rate of JobSeeker and other payments to be raised for 1.1 million households </li> <li dir="ltr"> Commonwealth Rent Assistant rise for 1.1 million households </li> <li dir="ltr"> Housing boost including tax breaks for build-to-rent investors </li> <li dir="ltr"> $4 billion extra for renewable energy </li> <li dir="ltr"> Tax breaks for small business to write-off assets and reduce energy costs </li> <li dir="ltr"> Targeted help for jobless aged over 55 </li> <li dir="ltr"> Cut to cost of medicines </li> </ul> Image: Getty Images/ Martin Ollman / Stringer

Money & Banking

Thousands of dollars now available for flood victims

The victims of recent flooding events in Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania are now eligible for financial support from the federal government. Thousands of dollars in support will include ongoing payments for eligible Aussies who have lost income as a result of the floods, paid at the same rate as JobSeeker. “The disaster recovery allowance is a payment that’s currently being made across all 71 LGAs (local government areas) ... for a total of up to 13 weeks,” Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen told Sunrise. “It’s to help people that have lost work or income as a direct result of the floods, regardless of whether you’re an employer, sole trader or an employee.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Financial support is now available for people affected by flooding in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Claim online through <a href="https://twitter.com/myGovau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@myGovau</a> or call our Emergency information line on 180 22 66. Read more: <a href="https://t.co/JZxDScPQsJ">https://t.co/JZxDScPQsJ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSWFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSWFloods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VicFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VicFloods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TasFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TasFloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/oF1ZEnpT40">pic.twitter.com/oF1ZEnpT40</a> — Services Australia (@ServicesGovAU) <a href="https://twitter.com/ServicesGovAU/status/1581867612853899264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2022</a></blockquote> Mr Jongen explained that those already on JobSeeker weren’t eligible for the allowance, which is available on top of a one-off sum of $1000 for adults and $400 per child to help those seriously affected by the floods. But, fewer Local Government Areas (LGAs) qualify for the lump sum along with the allowance, with eligible LGAs being determined by the National Emergency Management Agency. “This is an ever-changing situation and the National Emergency Management Agency is constantly monitoring, and it works with other government agencies in order to make these declarations,” Mr Jongen explained. The national support comes after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/monetary-help-confirmed-for-victoria-s-flood-victims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced assistance</a> would be available for victims of the floods which inundated the state since last Friday. To determine whether you are eligible for financial assistance from the federal government, head <a href="https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster-events?context=60042" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: Getty Images

Money & Banking

Monetary help confirmed for Victoria’s flood victims

After wild weather drenched Victoria and flooded about 500 homes, Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that financial support will be available to those affected. On Friday morning, the Maribyrnong River burst its banks and made inner Melbourne the latest community caught up in the state’s flooding emergency. Mr Andrews announced the payments would be available to help those affected “to help with food, shelter, clothing and medication”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Emergency payments are available for people whose homes have been impacted by flooding to help with food, shelter, clothing and medication. You can apply online at <a href="https://t.co/K0Dqh4hS9T">https://t.co/K0Dqh4hS9T</a> — Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1580683791332700160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2022</a></blockquote> Record-breaking rain has seen waterway levels rapidly rise, with residents in the areas surrounding the Maribyrnong River being urged to evacuate earlier this morning. "Some are waking up to find floodwater right at their door," 3AW's Pat Mitchell told Today. "I have spoken to some people getting their cars out, moving things to higher ground before they leave. Really, they haven't had a lot of time." Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore at the Bureau of Meteorology said people in north-west Melbourne could expect “major flooding” as the morning progressed. "We're expecting the flood peak to occur later this morning into later this afternoon, into the upper reaches of the Maribyrnong River then to the more populated areas to the west of Melbourne into this afternoon and into this evening," he said. "Thankfully the rain has eased, so we're expecting it to peak into tonight and start easing quickly into tomorrow." Tim Wiebusch, the chief operations officer of Victoria SES, said Maribyrnong residents could expect the flood threat to remain for the next 24 to 28 hours, and that there was flooding “pretty much right across the state”. "But we've also got the Yarra river with all our bike paths, all our recreation reserves that are now underwater at minor flooding," he said. "So people need to be aware that our rivers are in flood pretty much right across the state now." Residents in Wedderburn, Carisbrook, Seymour, Benalla and Rochester have been urged to evacuate, while some along the Seven Creeks and Goulburn and Campaspe rivers were told to head to higher ground. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> currently stuck in seymour whilst en route from melbourne to albury. <a href="https://twitter.com/VLine?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VLine</a> coaches ‘promised’ to meet us here after boarding at broadmeadows non-existent. big love to the staff here at seymour station, doing the best they can with no info in this wild weather 💕 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vicfloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vicfloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/x0aVqWObsw">pic.twitter.com/x0aVqWObsw</a> — Madeleine Sargent (@madeleinecate) <a href="https://twitter.com/madeleinecate/status/1580460924015898624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2022</a></blockquote> SES Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said that despite the rising water levels, they are hoping that they will quickly lower again. The water has already started to recede in Seymour, but some residents still saw their homes taken over by water. "I just came to have a look, and my house is just down that street, so I would say that it's gone underwater," one woman told Today. "Pretty sad to look at. Pretty devastating, because I'm a single mum and got my mum, I look after my mum as well, so, yeah, we just got my daughter and my mum out." Mr Narramore said flood levels were to ease later today in Seymour and Euroa, but that water levels won’t reach their peak in Rochester and Charlton until Saturday morning. "Some major flooding expected (at Rochester) tonight and especially into tomorrow," he said. "They're expecting major flooding into Saturday, slowly easing Sunday but hopefully by Sunday night dropping out of those levels. But there's so much water in the systems at the moment." Any who stay in Rochester past this afternoon could face being stranded until Wednesday next week, with floodwaters expected to surpass top levels experienced in 2011 and cut off roads entering the community. For those who need to access the government’s emergency payments, an online application can be filled out <a href="https://emergencypayments.dffh.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: Nine

Money & Banking

Emotional scenes as NSW passes law on Voluntary Assisted Dying

The NSW parliament has legalised voluntary assisted dying (VAD), with Thursday's historic vote meaning terminally ill people can now choose the timing of their death. NSW joins the rest of Australia’s states in making VAD legal with a final vote of 23 MPs in favour and 15 opposing. Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, who introduced the bill to parliament late last year, told members that the “entire diversity” of parliament were involved in passing the bill, with 28 co-sponsors from all parties - the highest number in Australian parliamentary history per <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/voluntary-assisted-dying-legalised-in-nsw-20220519-p5amo0.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sydney Mkorning Herald</a>. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> "We are celebrating this historic day" "Compassion has won" says Independent MP <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexGreenwich?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlexGreenwich</a>, flanked by the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill's co-sponsors and advocates. It's been 20 years since the first attempt to pass a law like this in NSW. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nswpol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nswpol</a> <a href="https://t.co/8wNpjSEZP3">pic.twitter.com/8wNpjSEZP3</a> — Sarah Navin (@SarahNavin) <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahNavin/status/1527131431163797505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2022</a></blockquote> “For those wondering what happened with the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill last night; the bill was debated till midnight and almost all amendments were dealt with,” Mr Greenwich explained on social media at 6am on Thursday morning. “There is one more amendment this morning to vote on and then a final vote in both the Upper and Lower House.” MPs debated nearly 100 amendments on Wednesday, with the sitting ending at midnight. The majority of amendments, including the push to allow aged care and residential homes to block VAD from occurring in their facilities, were voted down during the debate according to the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-19/voluntary-assisted-dying-laws-pass/101079940" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a>. At midday, it was announced that the bill had passed the upper house. The lower house then approved the bill approximately an hour later. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Proud to be sitting in the NSW parliament to watch the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill finally pass into law. This will make such a difference to the lives of so many, allowing people to choose to live the end of their lives as well as possible and to die with dignity. ✨❤️ — Abigail Boyd (@AbigailBoydMLC) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbigailBoydMLC/status/1527120671498588161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2022</a></blockquote> Finance Minister Damien Tudehope, an opponent of the bill, told the upper house that it was a “dark day” for the state. “It was a sad day because it was an opportunity for NSW to say ‘we can be better than this’,” Mr Tudehope said. He added that it would be judged by history as a “dreadful mistake”. However, advocate groups such as Go Gentle Australia and Dying with Dignity, as well as individual supporters of VAD, have welcomed the decision. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Voluntary assisted dying set to become law in NSW. Congratulations and thank you to all the advocates, especially those who fought for their right to die with dignity, and died waiting and the 28 MPs who co-signed the Bill, tabled by my MP, <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexGreenwich?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlexGreenwich</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/voluntaryassisteddying?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#voluntaryassisteddying</a> — Kimberley Ramplin (@Kimbo_Ramplin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kimbo_Ramplin/status/1527130066349481985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2022</a></blockquote> “VAD is now legal in NSW, the culmination of 50 years of advocacy. Congratulations to all involved,” Go Gentle Australia tweeted. “Congratulations to everyone involved in this campaign!” Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi wrote. “I was part of the Working Group on Assisted Dying in NSW Parliament, which introduced the first bill. I’m proud to have played a role so that people can die with dignity.” “Genuinely stoked,” Scott Phillips, the director of City Recital Hall, said. “I have no idea if my old man would have taken the option, in his final days as he battled cancer. “But I am so pleased that the choice will be available to others in NSW as a result of this bill.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> At long last. Choice & dignity for terminally ill patients in NSW. Congrats to all who fought so courageously for this change. Now legalised in every State, the Federal Government need to stop blocking the NT & ACT from debating this reform. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ausvotes?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ausvotes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/auspol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#auspol</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nswpol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nswpol</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vad</a> <a href="https://t.co/UAwfar1O4X">https://t.co/UAwfar1O4X</a> — JillHennessyMP (@JillHennessyMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/JillHennessyMP/status/1527130639816093696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2022</a></blockquote> According to <a href="https://twitter.com/10NewsFirstSyd/status/1527133466181005312" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 News First Sydney</a>, the bill allows for people to choose to end their life if they have suffering that can’t be relieved and are likely to die of a disease within six months, or within a year in the case of neurodegenerative disease. The news comes just days after Sara Wright, a nurse who has long advocated for VAD to be legalised, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/terminally-ill-nurse-caught-in-desperate-waiting-game" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spoke out</a> about waiting for the decision to be made while being “virtually paralysed” as a result of motor neuron disease - estimating she has months left to live. “I don’t think that I will live for more than another six to eight months, as my breathing capacity is reducing very fast and I do not wish to have a tracheostomy (an operation where a breathing hole is cut into the front of the neck and windpipe),” she told 7News. “I know that all my family, my parents, my brothers, my ex-husband are all in support of voluntary assisted dying and helping me relieve my suffering. “But none of us want to break the law or risk anyone being imprisoned if they helped me.” Image: @DWDnsw (Twitter)

Caring

Man assisting elderly neighbour recounts terrifying stabbing

A Gold Coast man was stabbed in the chest while investigating an attempted break-in at his elderly neighbour’s home and had to keep himself alive, only to find out all of his vital organs were untouched. James Fletcher, 40, was in his Palm Beach home on Monday night when he heard a noise from the house next door. After realising he could see his 92-year-old neighbour “rummaging around” outside with a torch, Mr Fletcher and his housemate went to check on him. “He’s an old boy and I know him, and I thought he might have had a fall or something,” he told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-17/gold-coast-man-stabbed-helping-his-elderly-neighbour/100628806" target="_blank">ABC News</a>. When they got there, they found the couple walking around on broken glass and quickly took action. “We just took control and tried to look after them to get the glass out of their feet, get some shoes on and start cleaning up,” Mr Fletcher said. “We were there for about 10 minutes and it wasn’t until I started cleaning the glass that I noticed that there was a paver that had been thrown through the window or through the door. “So I was like OK, someone’s trying to break in here, you know, they [his neighbours] were a bit shocked and didn’t know exactly what happened either.” <img style="width: 396px; height: 223px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845716/fletcher.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b05bf807f6064d3b940bc1d7c9ccdea8" /> James Fletcher (right) was stabbed by an unknown assailant when he came to check on his neighbour, Des Oatridge (left). Image: Channel Nine Once he saw the disturbed paver, the 40-year-old said he went outside to check on his own house, which was left open, and to pick up a first aid kit. As he did so, a man called out asking whether he had heard the loud noise and if everyone was alright. “And he walked towards me and as soon as he sort of walked past me, spun around and rammed a knife in my chest,” Mr Fletcher said. He said the 15-centimetre blade went through his rib cartilage before becoming lodged in his sternum. “I’ll never forget that. Like, the ferocity and the anger and the intent that that was delivered with,” he said. Initially he said he thought he had been punched, until his attacker attempted to pull the knife out. “This knife was embedded in my sternum, and he pulled the knife out but I came with it,” he continued. “And then his hand slipped off and then I sort of reached for my chest, and then I had the knife in my hand, and then he saw that and ran.” Mr Fletcher said he immediately realised he was in trouble, but knew what to do as a physiotherapist trained in trauma. While his housemate and neighbours called an ambulance, Mr Fletcher laid down on the ground and compressed the wound. “I asked for a pillow and some towels to apply pressure to my wound and my job became hanging on,” he said. “But I still didn’t know what was actually going on… I knew I had a big hole… and then the knife actually fell out of my chest when I went to sit up to get into the ambulance.” After arriving at the Gold Coast hospital, the surgeons waiting to treat Mr Fletcher discovered that the knife had missed all his vital organs in a “one in a million” moment. “It missed my lungs. It nicked my pericardium, which is the sac that contains my heart, but it didn’t touch my heart, missed my spleen and missed all the large vessels,” he said. <img style="width: 396px; height: 415px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845715/fletcher1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/06558ccce0124625b2aae4033fd472ae" /> Image: Channel Nine Mr Fletcher has since provided his statement to police officers, but there have been no arrests yet. Despite his serious injury, Mr Fletcher said he hoped his attacker could access the help he needed. “This guy, I’m sure has a mental health condition. And I’m sure it’s unmanaged or he’s been unable to access resources. And he’s out there in the community. You know, he almost ruined two people’s lives,” he said. After being discharged from hospital on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Fletcher returned to work on Wednesday. He said he had received plenty of support, but was unsure about how he will continue to feel about how “someone tried to kill me, and he was nearly successful”.

Legal

Is it illegal to assist a suicide?

In the days before Christmas, Western Australia became the second state in Australia to legalise voluntary assisted dying. More than 180 hours were spent debating the legislation in parliament, but under the final laws, terminally ill adults in pain and likely to have less than six months to live – or one year if they have a neurodegenerative condition – will be able to take a drug to end their lives if approved by two medical practitioners. The scheme is expected to be implemented across the state in about 18 months’ time. Under the proposed laws, to be eligible a person would have to be terminally ill with a condition that is causing ‘intolerable suffering’ and is likely to cause death within six months, or 12 months for a neurodegenerative condition. <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-05/wa-voluntary-euthanasia-law-passes-upper-house-vote/11771302">To access the regime, a person would have to make two verbal requests</a> and one written request and those written requests would have to be signed off by two doctors. Self-administration is the preferred method by which patients would facilitate their own deaths, but a patient can choose for a medical practitioner to administer the drug. The laws in Western Australia and Victoria The passing of the legislation means that Western Australia is the second state in Australia to make assisted dying lawful. In 2017, <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/dying-with-dignity-laws-passed-in-victoria/">Victoria passed voluntary euthanasia laws</a>. While Victoria is widely recognised as the first jurisdiction in Australia to legalise euthanasia, <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/northern-territory-and-act-fight-to-legalise-euthanasia/">in fact, the Northern Territory introduced laws as far back as 1995.</a> But only four people were able to use the laws because after only two years of being in force, thanks to a small technicality in Federal law which allows the Federal government to overturn laws passed by the territories (but not the States), the Federal Government exercised this right and effectively voided the NT laws. Since then, both the Northern Territory and the ACT have been fighting to take back control and determine their own legislation. In New South Wales Around the same time as voluntary euthanasia became legal in Victoria, it was also debated in the New South Wales Parliament, but with no significant progress towards legislation being enacted. Tasmania too, has debated euthanasia legislation and failed to pass it. South Australia and Queensland, both initiated parliamentary inquiries into assisted dying earlier this year. However now that Western Australia has also passed legislation, there is now more impetus for all Australian jurisdictions to follow suit. Despite the fact that many people do feel compassionately about helping terminally ill people to avoid prolonged, painful deaths, as they might put down a much loved family pet as an act of kindness in circumstances where the pain / injuries/ illness seemed intolerable, assisted dying is a highly controversial issue and as progresses in medical science find more and more ways to keep us alive, it becomes an increasingly complex issue. Although it is usually a crime to assist euthanasia and suicide, prosecutions Australia-wide have been rare. Assisting a suicide in New South Wales Currently in New South Wales, both euthanasia and physician assisted suicide are criminal offences. A person found guilty of engaging in active voluntary euthanasia can be prosecuted for murder under <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/legislation/crimes-act/murder/">section 18 of the Crimes Act 1900</a>, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. A person may additionally or alternatively be prosecuted for aiding a suicide, which is an offence under <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/legislation/crimes-act/aiding-etc-suicide/">section 31C of the Crimes Act 1900</a> carrying a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. To establish the offence, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant aided or abetted the suicide or attempted suicide of another person. Alternatively, a 5 year maximum penalty applies where the prosecution is able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that: 1. The defendant incited or counselled another person to commit suicide, and 2. The other person committed or attempted to commit suicide as a consequence. Around the world, assisted suicide is only currently legal in Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and a handful of US States. Written by Sonia Hickey and Ugur Nedim. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/the-offence-of-assisting-a-suicide/">Sydney Criminal Lawyers.</a>

Caring

24 hours to evacuate: Aussie troops move in to assist families fleeing bushfires

Residents are struggling on the South Coast of NSW a there’s no fuel, no food and no power. This is due to bushfires ravaging the area and the Australian Defence Force has been called in to help the affected areas. A fleet of ships and helicopters are making their way to coastal regions to supply and rescue residents that are trapped by the flames. There are currently 110 fires burning across NSW with over 50 yet to be contained, according to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/NSWRFS/status/1212444017251647489" target="_blank">NSW RFS</a>. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> At 5.30am there are 110 fires burning across NSW with over 50 yet to be contained. Firefighters will make the most of more favourable conditions today to protect properties before deteriorating conditions again this Saturday.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSWRFS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSWRFS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSWFires?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSWFires</a> <a href="https://t.co/vb3o55n8XU">pic.twitter.com/vb3o55n8XU</a> — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSWRFS/status/1212444017251647489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">1 January 2020</a></blockquote> With around 50,000 homes without power, major phone networks being down, and supermarkets closed, residents are struggling to obtain essentials such as food, fuel and water. NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says that there will be a “huge effort” to get as many people out of the area before Saturday, as conditions are set to worsen. "It's an extreme challenge for firefighters," he said on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6119081428001" target="_blank">Sky News</a>. RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers agrees. “There is every potential that the conditions on Saturday will be as bad or worse than we saw yesterday (Tuesday),” he told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/australian-troops-prepare-for-bushfire-emergency-evacuations-by-sea/live-coverage/cf3d149ec9bbb9b7eb808e663eec8a28" target="_blank">reporters</a> in Sydney. “Crews are working hard to get some containment before Saturday but we are concerned about that fire because of its potential run into far western Sydney,” Mr Rogers said. With at least 1298 homes destroyed across the state and air quality continuing to worsen in the affected areas, firefighters are run ragged trying to stop NSW from burning. Thousands are fleeing the South Coast, with almost 30 road closures in the region. Live Traffic NSW has issued a warning for heavy traffic conditions as well as significant delays.

News

Second Australian state moves one step closer to legalising assisted death

Western Australia is one step closer to legalising voluntary euthanasia for terminally ill adults after the state parliament’s lower house passed proposed government laws on Tuesday. 44 of the 59 lower house MPs voted in favour of the bill, but the vote in the upper house later this month is expected to be tighter. Should the upper house pass the proposed legislation, WA will become the second state in Australia to adopt assisted dying laws, after Victoria. The first vote came as hundreds of euthanasia supporters rallied at the parliament house to urge MPs to back the bill. The proposed laws would allow terminally ill adults who are likely to die within six months – or one year if they have a neurodegenerative condition – to take a drug to end their lives or ask for medical assistance to do so. “This bill will protect vulnerable people in ways that do not exist now,” Health Minister Roger Cook said. “This is a watershed moment. We must have the courage and confidence to uphold these freedoms for the most vulnerable in our society.” Rex Tion, one of the rally’s attendees, said his late grandfather was a “strong advocate” for assisted dying. “He expressed numerous times that he wanted his way out,” Tion told <a href="https://www.watoday.com.au/politics/western-australia/hundreds-rally-at-parliament-as-wa-euthanasia-laws-clear-first-hurdle-20190903-p52nm1.html">WAtoday</a>. “Unfortunately he never got his way, but I’m hopeful that when my time comes, I’ll at least have a choice. “Judging from what I’ve seen, there are a number of safeguards in place and I’m confident that there’s enough checks and balances to ensure that people are not being taken advantage of.” Some critics said the bill should have more safeguards in place, including a requirement for the patients to undergo a psychiatric assessment before they could access the option. “There exists the very real [opportunity] for abuse,” said Labor MP Michelle Roberts. “The fact that we need safeguards means there is something inherently worrying about the principle.” Roberts also said doctors may make mistakes in estimating life expectancy, citing the case of former Labor MP Batong Pham who unexpectedly survived a stroke. “No-one can tell me doctors don’t make mistakes.”

Caring

How 104-year-old David Goodall is spending his last day before assisted suicide

The 104-year-old Australian scientist who travelled to Switzerland to die today has cheerfully sung 'Ode to Joy' in his last press conference on the eve of his suicide. British-born David Goodall, who is not ill, says his quality of life has deteriorated to such a point that he wants to die. He has vision, hearing and mobility troubles common with his advancing age. “At my age, or less than my age, one wants to be free to choose the death when the death is at an appropriate time,” David said. “My abilities have been in decline over the past year or two, my eyesight over the past six years. I no longer want to continue life. I’m happy to have the chance tomorrow to end it.” Assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland, but it is frowned up by many doctors and people who believe it should be reserved for the terminally ill. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F9News%2Fvideos%2F1929092097138618%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> However, David’s supporters want assisted suicide to be accepted as a legitimate choice for elderly people, like David, who are ready to go. Life Circle, a small assisted suicide advocacy group based in Basel, and Dr Philip Nitschke, founder of Australian right-to-die group Exit International, are assisting David in his wish and hope to show that it is reasonable for people who are extremely old but not terminally ill to end their lives, too. Professor Goodall, who was born in 1914, flew from his home in Western Australia to France last week to see relatives before arriving in Switzerland. “Luckily my family who are in various parts of Europe and America have rallied round and come to see me, and I welcome the opportunity to see them, which I probably wouldn’t have had if I hadn’t pursued this Swiss option,” he said. He spent his last day touring the Basel University Botanical Gardens with three of his grandchildren. “I feel very privileged that I will be able to be there when my grandfather passes away,” Mr Goodall’s 30-year-old grandson Daniel <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5708877/British-scientist-104-spends-time-family-eve-assisted-suicide-Switzerland.html" title="www.dailymail.co.uk">told the </a><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5708877/British-scientist-104-spends-time-family-eve-assisted-suicide-Switzerland.html" target="_blank" title="www.dailymail.co.uk">Daily Mail.</a><iframe id="google_ads_iframe_/5129/ndm.lifestyle/lifestyle//reallife//newslife_5" title="3rd party ad content" name="google_ads_iframe_/5129/ndm.lifestyle/lifestyle//reallife//newslife_5" width="4" height="4" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0" data-integralas-id-dcc3c576-d1db-3fcc-d52a-a72c5690cec5=""></iframe> “He is so brave and I am so glad that he has been able to make his own choice. “It is his wish that he can end his life, but such a shame that he was not allowed to do it in his own country,” he said. <img width="466" height="350" src="http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/856915380805a66674b759cffeec05a7" alt="David Goodall tours the Basel University Botanical Gardens with three of his grandchildren and two of their partners. Picture: Sean Gallup" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> David was cleared by two Swiss doctors, including a psychiatrist on Wednesday who said he was of sound mind, to proceed with the “Swiss option”.

Caring

What to do if your car overheats

Despite the technological era we live in and the modern vehicles we drive, overheating cars are a problem that all motorists need to know how to respond to. Not only is the overheating of a car a significant reason why people call for roadside assistance, but it is also the cause of many motorists injuring themselves as they attempt to fix their car. Here’s what you need to do to stay safe if your car begins overheating. 1. Pull over to a safe location as soon as you notice the overheating and put your hazard lights on to warn other vehicles. If you continue to drive, you could significantly increase the damage to your engine and vehicle. 2. Call your roadside assistance to help you. 3. While you are waiting for your roadside assistance, do not open the bonnet. It can be very dangerous to remove the radiator cap from an overheated engine and it may take several hours to cool. If overheating is not caught in time it can require a replacement of the engine. Remember to always pay attention to your dashboard temperature indicator in case the “check engine” or “temperature” warning light illuminates. Has your car ever overheated while you were driving? How did you respond? Let us know in the comments below.

Insurance

Top Australian national parks to road trip to

Australian national parks not only help preserve native plants and wildlife, they also allow people to experience the authentic and wild beauty of this country. National parks have become an integral part of Aussie culture, as well as a way to get in touch with nature and be mesmerised by magnificent views with our friends and family. A road trip to these national parks will make for the perfect holiday and allow you to not only enjoy the destination, but the journey to get there as well. Be sure to ensure your <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/insurance/2017/11/vital-car-checks-you-need-to-make-before-an-outback-road-trip/" target="_blank">car is in pristine</a> condition and you have <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/insurance/2017/07/items-you-should-have-in-the-boot-of-your-car/" target="_blank">all the necessary supplies</a> with you before embarking on your road trip. Scroll through the gallery above to see five of Australia’s best national parks. Have you been lucky enough to visit any of these national parks? Share your experience with us in the comments below.

Insurance

How to use Google Assistant on Android smartphones

Lisa Du is director of <a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. We speak about <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/technology/2016/12/how-to-use-siri-on-your-iphone-and-ipad/" target="_blank">Siri a lot – the virtual assistant available on Apple devices.</a> Now meet Google Assistant, available on Android. If you have used Android devices previously, you may have come across Google Now, a feature which pulls out relevant information to you (such as where you work, where you live, what time to leave home to arrive at your next location on time). Google assistant is available on Android devices running software versions Marshmallow or Nougat (If you're wondering why Google's operating systems are always named after candy/sweets, their spokesperson said: "Since these devices make our lives so sweet, each Android version is named after a dessert: Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Jelly Bean."). How do I know if my phone has Google Assistant? To check if your phone has Google Assistant, say "Ok Google", "Hey, Google", or press-and-hold the home button. On Marshmallow or Nougat devices that have had the update, that long press will launch Google Assistant, popping up with a page asking how it can help, as pictured below (picture courtesy of pocket-lint.com) What can Google Assistant do? I'm a huge fan of Virtual Assistants. Google Assistant is designed to be conversational. Ask Google Assistant a question, and she will determine the context and audibly respond with the right information. You can ask her things like: Questions: <ul> <li>What's the weather tomorrow?</li> <li>Who sings this song?</li> <li>What is the phone number for Myer, Melbourne?</li> <li>How do I say "how are you?" in French?</li> </ul> Ask her to do things for you: <ul> <li>Send a message to Matt, and tell him I am running 15 minutes late</li> <li>Play my "Gym" Playlist on Spotify</li> <li>Call Grandma on speakerphone</li> <li>Give me directions to home</li> <li>Show me photos of Japan</li> </ul> Reminders: I love this function! <ul> <li>I say things like "Remind me to check the PO Box at 5pm"</li> <li>Remind me to check the oven in 20 minutes</li> </ul> Check out Google Assistant, and let us know what you think of your new virtual assistant!

Technology

4 tyre care tips to keep you safe on the road

Caring for your tyres is an investment that reaps many crucial benefits for a driver. Tyres that are in a pristine condition will not only save you plenty of money but it will also ensure your safety on the road. Follow these tyre care tips to keep you safe on the road. 1. Check your tyres every month When life gets busy it is easy to forget about doing little tasks such as checking your tyres. However, it is important to make a habit of checking your tyres every month so you can notice if any of them have been damaged on the road. By carrying out routine inspections, you will minimise your risk of having any sudden problems that could have been avoided. To do a thorough inspection, walk around your car and check for visible damage on the tyres such as cracks, cuts, lumps and nails. The easiest way to remember to do this is to schedule it in at the same time every month. E.g. the first Saturday of every month. 2. Check the tyre tread depth It is important to check your tyre tread depth as it helps remove water between the tyre and road, ensuring the car remains under control. The tyre tread depth wears out over time but this can be fast-tracked by poor road surfaces, the tyre design itself and erratic driving practices such as speeding and hard braking. The minimum tread depth varies from state to state so check your state government’s transport department. In Western Australia, the minimum tyre tread depth is 1.5mm. 3. Check the tyre pressure Tyre pressure is critical as it protects against tyre damage and reduces the risk of your vehicle spinning out of control. Driving with low tyre pressure also increases your petrol consumption. It is important to check your tyre pressure every month and before you embark on a long road trip. If your tyres are hot when you check them, add 4 to 5 PSI to the recommended pressure. You can find the recommended tyre pressure for your car inside the manual, the label on the door or inside the fuel flap. 4. Maintain the spare Make sure your spare wheel has the correct pressure, tread depth and there are no cracks. Also check that you have all the necessary tools in your car to change a tyre. If there is a space-saver spare, bear in mind that they are safety-rated to maximum speed of only 80km/h. How do you take care of your tyres? Let us know in the comments below. Make sure you keep safe and sound while on the road with Over60 Roadside Assistance. And because your safety is important to us all of the time, we will be there to help all day every day, should you need it. For just $79.95 per year, with Over60 Roadside Assistance you’ll enjoy peace of mind when you’re out on the wide-open road to ensure you can enjoy life with less hassle. <a href="https://oversixty.disconline.com.au/sar/2.0/?entity=10737&LinkId=12071&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=insurance&utm_medium=in-article-link-roadside&utm_content=roadside-assistance" target="_blank">Buy now</a>. <a href="https://oversixty.disconline.com.au/sar/2.0/?entity=10737&LinkId=12071&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=insurance&utm_medium=in-article-banner-roadside&utm_content=home-contents-insurance" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.oversixty.com.au/images/banners/Roadside-Assitance_Website_GIF_468x60.gif" alt="Over60 Car Insurance - Get a quote!"/></a>

Insurance

5 vital car checks you need to make before an outback road trip

Driving through Australia’s outback is one of the best ways to experience this breathtaking country. Whatever route you decide to embark on, there is no doubt that you will encounter the warm hospitality of remote towns, character outback pubs and Australia’s astonishing scenery. Before you leave on your trip, carry out these necessary car checks. 1. Check the engine’s fan or serpentine belts See if the serpentine belts are tight and in good condition. To check this, you must have the engine turned off as you should never put your hands near belts when the engine is running. If you want to take extra caution, you can carry spare belts. 2. Check the radiator coolant level To check the radiator coolant level, look at the level marks on the overflow bottle and top up if necessary. Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. 3. Check engine and gearbox oil and filters Make sure all oil levels are up to the full mark before you disembark on your trip. 4. Check spare tyre Although it should already be in your car, double-check you have a spare tyre, jack and a wheel brace. 5. Check tyre pressure Check your tyre pressure before you leave and it is a good idea to bring a basic toolkit for any repairs you may need to make. As you enjoy your road trip, be sure to carry a map or satellite navigation with you. Make sure you have a list of contacts that can be reached if any issues arise. Carry reserves of drinking water and fuel, and notify your family and friends of your intended route and your estimated arrival time of each point along the way. Make sure you keep safe and sound while on the road with Over60 Roadside Assistance. And because your safety is important to us all of the time, we will be there to help all day every day, should you need it. For just $79.95 per year, with Over60 Roadside Assistance you’ll enjoy peace of mind when you’re out on the wide-open road to ensure you can enjoy life with less hassle. B<a href="https://oversixty.disconline.com.au/sar/2.0/?entity=10737&LinkId=12071&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=insurance&utm_medium=in-article-link-roadside&utm_content=roadside-assistance" target="_blank">uy now</a>.

Insurance

Bad news for assisted dying laws in this state

New South Wales residents have just missed out on making voluntary euthanasia legal after a marathon debate in the Upper House resulted in 19 votes in support of the assisted dying bill and 20 against. MPs were given a conscience vote on the proposal put forth by Nationals MP Trevor Khan, which would allow terminally ill people over 25 to end their lives with assistance from medical professionals. Khan admitted he was “disappointed” with the result but plans to keep campaigning for the legislation. “We had what I think is a reasonable expectation that we’d just get over the line [but] obviously we fell short by one,” he told the <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-16/nsw-parliament-votes-on-euthanasia-bill/9158384" target="_blank">ABC</a>. “[But] we’ll continue to talk with the stakeholders, and work out a timing and a campaign. It’s clear that there’s a lot of community support for this. It really needs that campaign to continue and we'll get over the line in due course.” Khan added that he’s aiming to reintroduce a bill on voluntary assisted dying in the next term of Parliament.

Caring

What you should do if your car breaks down on a busy highway

It is always unfortunate when you are driving your car and you encounter an issue, such as a flat tyre or running out of fuel. The stress in these situations is significantly heightened when you face the issue on a major highway. Follow these steps to respond safely if you ever breakdown on a major highway. 1. Turn on your hazard lights It is important to respond immediately if you notice something is wrong with your car while you are on a busy highway. If your car is beginning to slow down due to the issue or you need to move off the road, turn your hazard lights on to safely communicate with other motorists about your situation. 2. Look for a safe spot to pull into If there is an emergency lane, pull into this so you can have a safe distance between your vehicle and the fast-flow of traffic. If there is no emergency lane, pull over and park on the far left-side of the highway as safely possible. If the opportunity permits, stop near an emergency roadside telephone so you can call for assistance if you don’t have a mobile in your car. Once you have parked, put the handbrake on and face your wheels away from the road so you don’t roll into traffic if someone rear-ends you. 3. Call for help Once you have parked safely away from the traffic, call for assistance. If you are in a severe emergency call 000 immediately. If no one has been injured and it is not the result of an accident, call for your Roadside Assistance as they are able to deal with standard breakdown difficulties. Roadside Assistance generally covers faulty batteries, flat tyres, minor roadside repairs and towing. Roadside Assistance ensures you have extra peace of mind while you are on the road. 4. Stay inside the vehicle and wait If you are parked in a reasonably safe spot well out of way of traffic, your safest bet is to stay inside your car with your seatbelt on and the doors and windows locked until your help arrives. If there is a logical reason for you to leave your car, only do so if you have thoroughly checked that there is no oncoming traffic. If you have a high visibility vest in your car, put it on before exiting your car and exit from the passenger (non-traffic) side. Never try to cross a busy highway on foot.

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