Agonisingly close as VE Bill narrowly fails

19/11/09 1:00 am

The State’s Upper House has failed to pass Greens MLC Mark’s Parnell’s Voluntary Euthanasia Bill in a narrow vote which was uncertain until the very last minute.

“This is a bitter sweet result,” said Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

“To have the Bill voted down is such a big disappointment, especially for all those in the community who have been striving for this law reform over many years.

“Yet, to come so close is a sure sign that one day, very soon, the South Australian Parliament will pass death with dignity laws,” he said.

The final vote was 11 to 9. Independent Hon. Ann Bressington decided to abstain, honouring her pledge to not support the Bill unless all her amendments passed.

“This is by no means the last time this issue will come before the Upper House. I intend to work with other supporters of VE to have another try next year after the March 2010 election.

“The vast majority of South Australians want Voluntary Euthanasia law reform. I strongly believe it’s just a matter of time before compassionate legislation is passed in our state,” he said.

Last night’s vote:

For (9): Parnell (Green), Winderlich (Ind), Gago (Lab), Darley (Ind), Hunter (Lab), Dawkins (Lib), Gazzola (Lab), Lensink (Lib), Wortley (Lab).

Against (11): Hood (FF), Brokenshire (FF), Finnigan (Lab), Lucas (Lib), Holloway (Lab), Wade (Lib), Zollo (Lab), Stephens (Lib), Schaeffer (Lib), Lawson (Lib), Ridgway (Lib).

Abstain (1): Bressington (Ind)

The Greens VE Bill

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