Queensland legislates Voluntary Assisted Dying
Tonight, the Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Bill passed through Queensland parliament. This makes Queensland the fifth Australian state to pass the legislation, giving citizens the choice to die with dignity should they develop a terminal illness. The ETU has joined with an alliance of advocate groups to campaign strongly to pass the Bill, and its success is a testament to the hard work over three decades from activists.
The ETU has had a personal connection to this campaign, with our late State Secretary, Peter 'Simmo' Simpson being a staunch advocate for the cause before he passed away September 2020. Simmo was diagnosed with melanoma and was in a lot of pain when he passed away. Simmo spoke openly about the peace of mind VAD would have given him in his final months.
Today, Queensland chose choice, chose compassion, and chose to give dignity to people with terminal illnesses.
