A majority community vote in favour of voluntary euthanasia would see Dubbo MP Troy Grant decide to vote in favour of a Bill at the next sitting of Parliament.
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He has opened a survey on his website and Facebook page to encourage all electorate residents to give their view on the controversial subject. The results will be collated and will go a long way towards deciding how he will vote in the upcoming conscience vote.
Mr Grant said he was still forming his own position, and taking all aspects of the Bill seriously. In some situations he was in favour of euthanasia, but stressed it had to be handled correctly with safeguards, and he was still undecided if this Bill was the correct option.
“I’m still digesting it. There is a lot of detail to go through. There are a lot of safeguards and those proponents of euthanasia may say it’s too restricting and those who oppose it may say there’s not enough,” he said.
“Some of the cruellest deaths could possibly be avoided and if so, we should do everything possible to avoid that. Whether this bill allows it to happen in a structured way, I still haven’t decided.
“The principles are strong but you have to look at the unintended consequences.”
Mr Grant said he wanted people from every town in his electorate to take part and as many as possible, so he could make the most informed decision possible.
He will reveal the survey results and use them to help make his decision. A decisive majority either way would make it straight forward.
“It would need to be a clear majority, over 65 per cent, otherwise I will add my personal view as well.
“I made a commitment to my electorate that I would consult with them on this very important issue. This a free vote for Parliamentarians, this isn’t one governed by government or party lines, it’s a vote on behalf of the community.
He said the survey was quick and easy to complete.
“You can go to an easy to fill out survey which contains a summary of the Bill and an option of whether you are in favour ... or not, and that will give me an indication of the electorate’s sentiments.”
The exact timing of the Bill’s presentation to NSW Parliament isn’t known, but it will be in the upcoming sitting session, that starts in August and runs through until November.
To take part in the survey, visit troygrant.com.au or search Troy Grant MP on Facebook. Mr Grant stressed individual results would not be revealed, with only overall statistics to be made public.