Consultation on assisted dying extended to Karratha

Residents of Karratha and surrounding areas will be able to have their say on voluntary assisted dying legislation planned for WA following an extension of public consultation sessions.

The State Government has announced additional forums for Karratha, Carnarvon, Northam, Albany and Mandurah this month for residents to comment on key issues surrounding the legislation, which is due to be introduced to Parliament later this year.

Sessions were previously only scheduled in Perth, Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Broome.

Health Minister Roger Cook said the Government wanted to ensure all West Australians had access to the best quality end-of-life and palliative care options.

“We have listened and responded to the community and members of Parliament regarding regional consultation by the Ministerial Expert Panel, and are giving more people the opportunity to directly be involved,” he said.

“This consultation is crucial to make sure we have safe, compassionate and effective legislation that meets the needs of all Western Australians and I strongly encourage the community to be involved.”

The extended consultation sessions come after lobbying from the WA Nationals for more forums to be held in regional areas.

WA Nationals leader Mia Davies welcomed the extension and encouraged as many regional residents as possible to attend the forums.

“This consultation series will guide the creation of some of the most important legislation to go through WA Parliament in years, and regional residents deserve to have a voice at that table,” she said.

The Karratha forum will be held on May 23 from 9am - 10.30am at the Frank Butler Community Centre.

People unable to attend can make written submissions until May 24.

Feedback from the forums will inform the expert panel’s final report to Government. Register at health.wa.gov.au/voluntaryassisteddying.