WINTER 2017 Journal ISSN 0813-5614

Contents: President’s message 2 The religious lobby against VAD 10-11 NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 3 Secularism is growing 11 Community Consultation 4 Denton’s human rights speech 11 Letter from Annie.G to members 4-5 Reports from related groups: Poll: doctors and nurses support 5-6 Central Coast NSW Group 12 Survey: cancer patients support 6 Mid-north Coast NSW Group 12-13 Doctors for AD Choice 6 Christians Supporting VE 13 NSW nurses and midwives support 6 Queensland news 13 Victoria’s expert panel 7-8 Western Australian news 13 Recommended law for Victoria 8 International news: Russell’s tactic of quoting himself 9 New Zealand bill 13 Catholic pallative care will not DWD NSW donation form 14 abide by Victorian VAD law 9-10 MND - Les and Greg Ware’s story 15 Fade to Black - the film premier 16

Dying with Dignity NSW ABN 22 002 545 235 is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.

PO Box 25 Broadway NSW 2007 Phone 02 9212 4782 Email [email protected] 2 Dying with Dignity New South Wales | Winter 2017 boundless energy whospearheaded thiscampaign Who could believe that the manwithseemingly with MPs panel. andliaising withtheadvisory huge amount ofwork behindthescenes, meeting on theVictorian campaign. They have beendoinga Australia (GGA),have been focusing their energies Andrew Denton andhisorganisation, GoGentle next year’s state election(seepages 7 to 9 for more). who dare to vote infavour oftheVictorian bill,in residentsmarginal in seats, and vowing to target MPs Meanwhile, Right to Life have beenletterboxing to allow theirstaff to participate ifthe law ispassed. facilities inVictoria announcingthat they will refuse up in arms, with the largest provider of palliative care during September. Already Christian opponents are which isexpected to bedebated inbothhouses legislation. Thiswillbeincorporated into thebill, released itsrecommended framework for Victorian Voluntary Assisted ledby DrBrianOwler, Dying, has VAD bill.TheVictorian Ministerial Panel Advisory on towards passage oftheirgovernment-sponsored It isexciting to seeVictoria come one step closer during Sunday service. are coordinating letter writing campaigns to MPs (VAD) law bepassed,anddevout religious leaders consequences shouldavoluntary assisted dying Christian Lobby are warning ofnearapocalyptic organisations like Right to Life andtheAustralian campaign offear, misinformation andspin.Christian Meanwhile ouropponents have stepped uptheir there isafeeling that thetideisturning. whose timehas come” from more thanoneMP, and House are very close.We have heard “thisisanissue it looks like thenumbers intheParliament’s Upper Assisted DyingBill undecided MPs to supporttheNSW Voluntary packages andplanningstrategies for persuading (MPs) andkey influencers, preparing information months, meeting withNSW Members of Parliament We have beenextremely busy inthelast few President’s message . From ourvarious conversations, As always, thankyou for your support. website orviatheform onpage 14. Donations can bemadethrough ournew DWD NSW contributing to ourfighting fund atthiscritical time. If you have notyet doneso, pleaseconsider donations to helpuswiththecurrent campaign. Finally, ahuge thankyou to thoseofyou whomade campaign, beingscreened across NSW (see page 16). documentary, Fade to Black,basedonPeter’s pursuitdogged oflegislative change. The excellent by terminally-ill Victorian man,Peter Short,inhis Readers willremember thepersonal crusade led VAD inNSW (seepage 6). Association on20July to supporttheintroduction of of amotion by theNSW Nurses andMidwives A very exciting recent development was thepassing Upper House(seedetails onpage 3). is now time for us to start writing tomembers ofthe this billto pass.Inaddition to Lower HouseMPs, it single most important thingthat you can doto help talk to. Engaging withMembers ofParliament isthe us to identify theundecidedMPs that we need to are definite supporters andopponents, and enables to us.Thisinformation helps us to track MPs who the bill,andwhohave forwarded theirresponses written to theirlocal MPs urging them to support Thank you to allDWD NSW members whohave others that ourmembers have engaged with. from someoftheMPs that we have approached, and positioned, but we have received positive messages information abouthow Lower Housemembers are to get itover theline.We don’tyet have enough our jobisto persuade thefew undecidedpoliticians the UpperHouse.Thefinal vote willbeclose,and believe theNSW billhasareal chanceofpassingin off NSW! From our conversations with MPs, we While Victoria isseenasthegreat hope,don’twrite us at DWD NSW wishhimaspeedyrecovery. clean billofhealthand“an exciting new scar”. Allof rejoining thecampaign inearlySeptember witha their work willcontinue, andDenton anticipates in hospital. Theteam at GGAhave reassured usthat multiple bypass surgery andiscurrently recovering no doubt heard by now that Denton hasundergone could beafflicted byseriousheartdisease? You have President, DWD NSW Sarah Edelman Dying with Dignity New South Wales | Winter 2017 3 David Shoebridge Shoebridge David Walker Dawn CDP Green Paul Robert Borsak Borsak Robert Colless Richard Taylor Bronnie Fang Wes Clake David Lou Amato Don Harwin Phelps Peter Cusack Catherine McDonald Scott Adam Searle Houssos Courtney Greg Donnelly Greg Wong Ernest Primrose Peter Sharpe Penny LABOR LIBERAL

GREENS NATIONALS ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY ANIMAL JUSTICE SHOOTERS AND FISHERS SHOOTERS CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS DEMOCRATS CHRISTIAN

(party policy of support for VAD) (party policy of support for (party policy of opposition to VAD) to (party policy of opposition

Jeremy Buckingham Jeremy Field Justin Faruqi Mehreen Nile CDP Fred Brown Robert Mark Pearson Niall Blair Ben Franklin Ben Franklin Mitchell Sarah Khan Trevor John Ajaka Pearce Greg Farlow Scott Mallard Shayne Mason-Cox Matthew Martin Taylor Jones MacClaren- Natasha Following is a list of all the MPs in the NSW Upper Upper the NSW in the MPs of all is a list Following House, Parliament is NSW address Their House. 2000. NSW, Sydney, Street, 6 Macquarie Daniel Mookey Moselmane Shaoquett Secord Walt John Graham Mick Veitch Lynda Voltz Voltz Lynda

and is available on and is available Straight Record the Dying: Setting Assisted 2017, Shayne Higson, our DWD NSW Vice-President, has put together an has put together Vice-President, NSW Higson, our DWD Shayne myths politicians and dispel some of the inform to document excellent dying. assisted of voluntary the opponents by propagated are that It is called page. news of our website on the top – see this image our website conversation in a yourself you find if reference find it a handy may You facts. for these myths who mistakes with a person

(rather than all at once now). once now). than all at (rather September, in the period leading up to the debate the debate in the period leading up to September, would like these letters to arrive over August and August over to arrive these letters like would them individually handwritten letters. Ideally, we Ideally, letters. them individually handwritten many as you like from the following list) and send list) the following from like as you many Please choose some Upper House MPs (as few or as (as few Please choose some Upper House MPs

geographical area, but jointly serve all of NSW. all of NSW. serve but jointly area, geographical members are not directly accountable to a particular to accountable not directly are members political parties. Unlike Lower House MPs, these MPs, these House Lower parties. Unlike political Upper House comprises 42 members from various various from 42 members Upper House comprises Parliament (MPs) urging them to support the bill. The bill. the support to them urging (MPs) Parliament members to write to Upper House Members of House Members Upper to write to members We have been advised that it is now time for our for our time it is now been advised that have We debated in the NSW Upper House in September. House in September. Upper in the NSW debated will strengthen the bill, that should be ready to be to should be ready the bill, that will strengthen They will take on board suggestions they believe believe they suggestions on board will take They and considering further changes to the draft bill. the draft to further changes and considering mammoth task of going through all submissions through of going mammoth task passed, and the PWGAD is now undertaking the undertaking is now PWGAD passed, and the The closing date for submission of feedback has submission of feedback for The closing date (Labor), and Mehreen Faruqi MLC (Greens). (Greens). MLC Faruqi (Labor), and Mehreen Greenwich MLA (Independent), Lynda Voltz MLC MLC Voltz Lynda MLA (Independent), Greenwich MLC (Nationals), MLA (Liberal), Alex Alex (Liberal), MLA Evans Lee (Nationals), MLC consultation by the group, comprising Trevor Khan Trevor comprising by the group, consultation The Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill Dying Assisted The Voluntary On 16 May years’ result of two bill is the The consultation. NSW VAD Bill 2017 Bill VAD NSW public for unveiled was Dying (PWGAD), on Assisted drafted by the NSW Parliamentary Working Group Working Group Parliamentary by the NSW drafted 4 Dying with Dignity New South Wales | Winter 2017 opponents. countering misinformation that willbepromoted by speeches for theParliamentary debate, and for information packages that they can useinplanning At thesametime we have beenproviding MPs with several MPs, andwe have received helpful feedback. Members oftheDWD NSW board have met with will vote. and someare genuinely thinkingabouthowthey What isclearthat MPs are engaged onthisissue, assisted dying(VAD). face-to-face consultation ontheissueof voluntary public meetings oftheir constituents toenable member for Kiama,, have organised for constituents to complete. Others, like Liberal , have set upsurveys ontheirwebsite Grant, and Nationals Northern Tablelands MP, view onthebill.Some,like Liberal DubboMPTroy started consulting with constituents, tofindouttheir A numberofMPs from theLower Househave Bowling Club Friday 25August at 11amintheTuncurry Beach Country Club (11Paradise Point) BeachRdSanctuary Saturday 12August at 2pmat StGeorges Basin areMLA, plannedfor otherareas ofNSW: Similar community forums, hosted by Lynda Voltz Coast Group report onpage 13). Macquarie (more details provided intheMid-north Trevor KhanMLC alsoheldaforum inPort Levett’s speechis available onour website. video ofthewholeforum and thetranscript ofCoral Councillor), andSarah Edelman (DWD NSW). The Midwives’ Association), LindaScott (Cityof Sydney MLC, Coral Levett (President ofNSW Nurses & ThepanelofspeakersMLA. comprised Trevor Khan bill. Themeeting was chaired by forum intheNSW Parliament Houseto discussthe On 13July, Alex Greenwich hosted anexcellent release oftheNSW Voluntary Assisted DyingBill information and consultation sessionssincethe Dying (PWGAD) hasbeenconducting community the Parliamentary Working Group onAssisted In collaboration withDyingDignityNSW, Community Consultation (Meeting Room 21 Parkes St Tuncurry). and

. to passthe that accompanies thevideo, calling onpoliticians Annie hasmotor neurone disease,andthepetition you have notdonesoyet at www.change.org/annie nearly 230,000people.Pleasesignherpetition if that hasbeenshared onFacebook, andviewed by Most members willrecognise AnnieGfrom thevideo the face ofourcampaign Letter from AnnieG– I can still laugh andmake love! I can’t write orsign.Ican still walk,butnot too far. a bastard! anymore andIamlosingmy right arm.Thisdiseaseis but I’m sleepingbetter now. Myleftarmwon’twork pap machinethatregulates my breathing–notsexy, I’m notsogood.Isleep inamaskconnected to abi- Hi All, our members, written inmid-July. update onhow sheisfaring. Below isherletter to We suggested that Anniemight like to write an lead-up to thebillbeingpresented inParliament. who hasagreed to meet withthefamily inthe This willincludeNSW Premier, , talk to MPs onwhy they want theNSW billpassed. about theirsituation. They have agreed to visitand Annie andherfamily for agreeing to speakpublicly to legalise VAD inNSW. We are extremely grateful to Annie’s plight hasbecome asymbol ofthecampaign abilities. finger. Sadly, Annieisgradually losingherfunctional that ability, andcommunicates by typingwithone was still able to speak;however shehasnow lost the videowas made(inFebruary thisyear) Annie been signedby over 95,000supporters. At thetime NSW Voluntary Assisted DyingBill , has . Dying with Dignity New South Wales | Winter 2017 5 on

City to Surf. City to City to Surf City to

Sunday 13 August to help raise help raise to 13 August Sunday The team of VAD. awareness T-shirts wearing will be walking Choice’ and ‘Annie’s marked ‘Dying with Dignity NSW’. the who made filmmaker Cornish, the brilliant Luke film a plans to earlier this year, story video of Annie’s including the team’s video update, (shorter) second in the participation New poll finds that finds that poll New and nurses doctors most Bill support VAD has included NSW DWD for work great Annie G’s an opinion poll of medical for pay to crowdfunding the thousands to In June Annie wrote professionals. and on Change.org of people who signed her petition conduct a poll of doctors to funds sufficient raised and nurses. market independent by conducted The poll was 4000 over who surveyed Ekas, company, research NSW on the draft their view for health professionals Dying Bill. Assisted Voluntary , Labor Member for Blue Mountains, and Annie Blue Mountains, Labor Member for Doyle, Trish 2017. on 26 July, Change.org for making a short video I’m really looking forward to meeting the Premier, the Premier, meeting to looking forward really I’m Professor neurologist, with my Gladys Berejiklian, with me. come who has agreed to Dominic Rowe, campaign. I to the a difference make I hope I can Bill passed. see the NSW to want your good wishes, for everyone Thank you to Annie. Annie, with about 30 family, will be friends and supporters, in the participating

Please handwrite letters to your local MPs. to your local letters Please handwrite support the coming Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill. Assisted Voluntary support the coming and we are making a video together, urging MPs to urging MPs to and we are making a video together, I have made contact with Trish Doyle, my local MP local my Doyle, with Trish I have made contact Surf. We’ll be walking it though! We’ll Surf. of family and friends to join us on this year’s City to City to join us on this year’s to and friends of family mornings. Paul is a runner, so we have roped in lots is a runner, mornings. Paul 6 am to walk 3 kms. We both miss our walks in the both miss our walks walk 3 kms. We 6 am to Paul and I can walk like we used to. Every day up at Every we used to. like walk and I can Paul We are buying a really good running wheelchair so are buying a really good running wheelchair We speech generating device. enables the user to operate a laptop computer or computer a laptop operate enables the user to able to communicate using my eyes. The technology The technology eyes. using my communicate able to when I lose my ability to use my hands, I will still be hands, I will still my use ability to when I lose my getting a trial of eye gaze technology this Friday, so Friday, this technology eye gaze a trial of getting can’t speak, he waits while I type out a message. I’m speak, he waits while I type out a message. I’m can’t greatest ally, advocate and lover. Even though I Even and lover. advocate ally, greatest singing to radio, or yelling. My husband is my or yelling. My husband is my radio, singing to I dearly miss talking to my husband and children, my to I dearly miss talking whatever he wants. whatever November! I’m going to be ‘Ma’ and Paul can be can and Paul be ‘Ma’ going to I’m November! soon. My daughter-in-law is pregnant and due in is pregnant soon. My daughter-in-law my sons, Michael and Christopher and will be 32 and Christopher sons, Michael and my My daughter, Eleni, will be 21 next month and month be 21 next Eleni, will My daughter, and one at home. Paul (my husband) drives me in. (my and one at home. Paul Blind Children two days a week - one day in the office one day in the office Blind Children two days a week - I’m still working at the Royal Institute of Deaf and Institute Royal working at the still I’m support! exploration! (bucket list time). Life is good with time). Life list (bucket exploration! days, tasting wine. Rottnest Island was our last Island was our last Rottnest wine. days, tasting and stayed in the Margaret River district for five for River district in the Margaret and stayed outside. I’m planning on working on that till the end planning on working on that till outside. I’m Perth to the Indian-Pacific In June, we caught sliding doors so it hasn’t a lip, and have built a ramp it hasn’t a lip, and have built a ramp sliding doors so of the year! NDIS to review the decision). We have changed the have the decision). We review NDIS to that I can get around at home (we’re waiting on the (we’re around at home get that I can on our hands for the three lifts we need to put in so need the three lifts we on our hands for (NDIS) didn’t come to the party) and we have a fight we have a fight the party) and to (NDIS) didn’t come wheelchair (the National Disability Insurance Scheme National Disability Insurance wheelchair (the We have a new bathroom to make space for a for space make bathroom to have a new We anymore. anymore. Blue Mountains home. I can’t dress myself or drive myself dress home. I can’t Blue Mountains myself after a shower. It is cold in the mornings in my in in the mornings cold It is a shower. after myself days a week. I can’t make my breakfast or towel towel or breakfast my make I can’t a week. days I have a carer who comes in for two hours, four four two hours, for in who comes a carer I have 6 Dying with Dignity New South Wales | Winter 2017 found to bein favour oflegal change. metastatic breast cancer for five ormore years were were ofVAD. Ninety six percent ofpeoplewith with metastatic cancer, themore supportive they showed that thelonger theperson hadbeenliving people having accessto VAD. TheBCNAsurvey also quarters ofrespondents saidthey were supportive of patients support VAD Survey: breast cancer Tasmanian, Victorian andNSW VAD Bills. They have recently completed submissionson the medical profession, politiciansandthepublic. matters relating toassisted dying to themedia, is that ofproviding unbiasedmedical opinionon NSW Convenor, DrDavid Leaf, therole ofDrs4AD supporting legislative change on VAD. According the most medical specialties,whoare committed to national group of Australian doctors, representing Doctors for Assisted DyingChoice(Drs4AD) isa decided notto campaign against theVictorian bill. significant that theVictorian branch oftheAMAhas bill that was defeated inlate 2016.However, itis launched strong opposition to theSouthAustralian against assisted dyinglegislation for many years, and approach to healthpolicy. Ithasactively campaigned members. TheAMAgenerally takes aconservative although onlyabout30%ofAustralian doctors are The AMAisthecountry’s peakmedical body, believed that they should,and12%were undecided. involved involuntary assisted dying(VAD), while38% thought that medical professionals shouldnotbe Association (AMA),that indicated 50%ofdoctors of doctors conducted by theAustralian Medical These results are incontrast to the2016survey 10% opposing. stronger support,with80%infavour andfewer that A smallerEkas pollof100nurses found even supported achange to thelaw). Australian Doctor last year found that 65%ofdoctors 30% opposedit.(Anearliersurvey conducted by stated that they supportthebill,whilst fewer than Of themore than500 doctors whoresponded, 60% in thefirst half of2017.Three- Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) survey commissioned by Breast breast cancer contributed to a are livingwith,orare survivors of, More than10,000Australians who the argument for law reform to provide VAD. by theNSWNMA issignificant and addsgravitas to trusted professions, thepronouncement ofsupport current laws are inadequate. Asoneofthemost their supportaddsweight to theargument that our VAD billwillbeintroduced intheNSW Parliament, current laws. Comingjust afew months before the unique position to observe theimpactofour in thefinal stages oftheirlives, givibngthema Nurses have direct andongoing contact withpeople why legislative reform issoimportant.” not oneAustralian isafforded thischoiceandthat is happens to themat theendoftheirlife. Currently, 100 millionpeoplewiththefullchoiceaboutwhat have legalised assisted dyingandthisempowers over die withdignity. Seven countries around theglobe incurable illnessshouldhave theright to chooseto we alsoacknowledge that peoplewithaterminal or in nursing are entitled to their however,own opinion, strongly believe that nurses, midwives andassistants “We represent avery diverse membership andwe President, Coral Levett (pictured), saying The press release issuedby theNSWNMA quoted weight to thecommunity supportfor thisissue. midwives across NSW, theNSWNMA statement adds Representing more than259,000nurses and be compelled to suffer beyond theirwishes.” dignity inamanneracceptable to themandshallnot suffering shallhave theright to choose to diewith incurable illnessthat creates unrelieved, profound legislative reform sothat persons witha terminal or Item 12ofthestatement says “We support 500 delegates at theNSWNMA AnnualConference. Assisted Dying a motion to endorse theirPosition Statement on of voluntary assisted dying(VAD) laws. On20July Association (NSWNMA) supporttheintroduction It isofficial-members of NSW Nurses andMidwives midwives supportVAD NSW Nurses and was passedalmost unanimouslyby Dying with Dignity New South Wales | Winter 2017 7 The on 13 July, July, on 13 (27 June), Right to Life Life to (27 June), Right

(5 August), “the biggest “the biggest (5 August), The Australian The

is targeting key marginal Victorian seats, dropping dropping seats, Victorian marginal key is targeting is Andrews ask whether that leaflets vexatious The to dollars?” According healthcare save “trying to read the 260,000 flyers (5 August) Saturday Paper own,” be your may save you the life “Remember MP to their local contact to householders and urges government-sanctioned “legalise plans to protest the sick and infirm”. for doctors suicide by The Age to According On April 18, Church.” of all is the Catholic combatant Pastoral ‘A wrote Denis Hart (pictured) Archbishop by his co-signed of Victoria’, to the Catholics Letter is no – there should be clear “We saying: bishops, their own help them to kill people or to to way safe millennia, the suicide. For has and civil society Church such actions understood and ethically be morally to commandment, The wrong. ‘Thou shalt not kill’ is both and civil dictum a biblical so for and should remain reason...... good very to like would If you In an interview with with interview In an Bracks, Steve Labor Premier, Victorian Former VAD. of supporter a longtime he was that revealed in he was while reform did not propose He said he timing the and 2007) because 1999 (between power as a social regarded was Mr Bracks not right. was support in politics. His during his time conservative Liberal Kennett, Jeff rival of political that follows the has also backed 1999, who 1992 to from Premier VAD. legalise to push government’s Victorian Victorian pass the to is widely expected The vote first. it will be debated Upper House, where closer be much to is expected the outcome However, over election just With the state House. in the Lower seats in marginal politicians Victorian away, a year about a possible backlash. nervous are director, Victorian Lobby’s Christian The Australian his 12,000 supporters Dan Flynn, is marshalling campaign MP in a grassroots their local lobby to in reported Flynn was bill. the VAD against pick “When you as saying (5 August) Saturday Paper faith-based and communities ethnic with a fight it’s this, a social policy issue like over communities are MPs and all ramifications electoral have to likely this.” open to The Guardian to According

Neurosurgeon and Neurosurgeon past immediate of the President Medical Australian (AMA), Association Brian Owler, Professor headed the (pictured) panel. His senior expert

position. Most Victorian MPs have not yet declared their declared not yet have MPs Victorian Most MPs have come out in favour of the bill. out in favour come have MPs conscience vote for his party. A handful of Liberal A handful of Liberal his party. for vote conscience opposed to the bill, but says he will allow a will allow he the bill, but says opposed to Liberal Opposition Leader, Matthew Guy, is also Guy, Matthew Opposition Leader, Liberal which is a line I don’t think our society should cross.” which is a line I don’t think our society should cross.” government’s bill, saying “This bill, saying suicide, bill endorses government’s the Deputy Premier publicly spoke out against his out against publicly spoke the Deputy Premier Merlino are not. To our great disappointment, disappointment, our great not. To Merlino are Martin Pakula), others like Deputy Premier James Deputy Premier like others Pakula), Martin and Attorney-General and Attorney-General Minister Jill Hennessy Jill Hennessy Minister (pictured), Health (pictured), Daniel Andrews Daniel Andrews (including Premier (including Premier in favour of the bill in favour Cabinet Ministers are are Ministers Cabinet Victorian Government Government Victorian While most of the While most medical practitioners as well.” as practitioners medical not only supporting patients but also supporting not only supporting patients for assistance to die from 2019. from die to assistance for terms of can be, in good as it can be as legislation is passed terminally ill Victorians will be able to apply to will be able Victorians ill is passed terminally the making sure in be an advantage can works, expected to be debated during September. If the bill If during September. be debated to expected of the AMA, medicine of how “My knowledge saying: now be incorporated into the Victorian bill, which is bill, the Victorian into be incorporated now as quoted Owler was credibility. taskforce Victorian It is anticipated that these recommendations will recommendations these that It is anticipated the has given establishment the medical within role for law reform (see page 9 for specific details). specific details). 9 for (see page reform law for paper. Its final report contains 66 recommendations recommendations 66 contains report Its final paper. submissions made to the panel’s public discussion public discussion panel’s the made to submissions report, based on the 14 public forums and 176 and 176 forums the 14 public based on report, an independent panel of experts, released its final released of experts, panel an independent On 21 July, The Victorian Ministerial Advisory Panel, Advisory Panel, Ministerial The Victorian On 21 July, Victoria’s expect panel expect Victoria’s 8 Dying with Dignity New South Wales | Winter 2017 show that DanielAndrews’ Laborgovernment is worry aboutthepoliticsinVictoria. Opinionpolls Proponents ofthe bill are cautiously optimistic, but to theVAD bill. some are now getting politically active inopposition passed that document onto itsVictorian schoolsand TheAge to parish priest how you can beinvolved.” According contribute to theefforts of your local parish,ask your dose andpossible risks ofthelethal dose. options, expected outcome of taking thelethal and prognosis, treatment options, palliative care the person isproperly informed oftheirdiagnosis conduct anassessment. Thedoctor must ensure a request to theirmedical practitioner, whowill To initiate theprocess, the person must firstly make Process: based onAustralia’s otherend-of-life laws. months isrecommended for theVictorian law, system’s limited provision ofhospicecare. Twelve six months orless,based ontheOregon health in Oregon theperson’s life expectancy must be two decades. Theonlynotable difference isthat law inOregon, whichhasbeenoperating for The proposed Victorian schemeisclosest to the eligibility criteria are met. person from accessto thescheme, provided allthe NB: Mental illnessordisabilitywould notexclude a manner that istolerable to theperson’ – Is‘causing suffering that cannot be relieved ina months, butnotlonger than12months; & – Isexpected to cause death withinweeks or – Isadvanced, progressive andwillcause death; & medical condition, that: • Bediagnosedwithanincurable disease,illnessor to voluntary-assisted dying • Have inrelation ‘sound decision-makingcapacity’ • Bearesident inVictoria • Beat least 18years ofage A person would needto: Eligibility: Bill recommendations for theVoluntary Assisted Dying The Victorian Ministerial Panel Advisory made66 The Victorian panel’s recommended law for VAD initsfinal report, publishedon21July, 2017. (5Aug),TheCatholic Education Office alerted to allrequests. A specialboard would review all cases andbe who doesnothave decision-making capacity. * anyone administering alethal doseto aperson assisted death * anyone who inducessomeoneto request an New criminaloffences are recommended for: any aspectoftheprocess. Doctors willbeableto conscientiously object to assisted death. death astheunderlyingdisease,notthat itwas an The death certificate would record the causeof too incapacitated to take it. and returned to adoctor ifthepatient becomes medication would be kept inspeciallocked boxes, themselves are notbediscriminated against. The so that peoplewhocannot take thedrugs cases, thedoctor would administer themedication, if thepatient isunable to self-administer. Inthose dispensed from acompounding chemist, except The drugwould beself-administered after being medication isdispensed. days between first andlast request, before the In most cases there shouldbeaminimumof10 scheme. complete specialist training to beinvolved inthe particular illnessandallparticipating doctors must the person must beanexpert intheapplicant’s practitioner. Atleast oneofthedoctors assessing makes athird andfinal request to theirmedical beneficiaries from theperson’s death. Thepatient must bewitnessedby two peoplewhoare not a written declaration ofanenduring request, which independent assessment. Thepatient thenmakes A second practitioner then conductsan genuine consideration ofthe contents ofthebill. The fear isthat Victorian politics could override receiving any kudos from itssuccessful passage. against thebillinorder to prevent the government expressed concerns that theoppositionmay vote Vice President of DWD Victoria, DrRodney Syme, has facing a“crime tsunami”. unpopular, withoppositionclaims that Victoria is Dying with Dignity New South Wales | Winter 2017 9 as saying “We will “We as saying (11 July) reported (11 July) reported (continued overleaf) (continued The Australian . www.DyingForChoice.com Neil Francis runs Neil Francis DyingForChoice.com, DyingForChoice.com, which is a website providing to dedicated opinion pieces excellent examination forensic and of claims made by on VAD. opponents See article in A recent biggest Victoria’s Australia, Health St Vincent’s that health its hospitals, will ban provider, care palliative in involvement any and clinicians from centres by dying, if it should be legalised assisted voluntary government. the Andrews Health of St Vincent’s Executive Hall, Chief Toby would be patients vulnerable said that Australia, Hall changes. legislative the proposed risk by put at the of taking government accused the Victorian someone a drug and kill “give to cheaper option care palliative sufficient than providing them” rather ill. the terminally for The Australian by quoted Hall was our suicide in our hospitals; assisted provide never it and will not be able to clinicians will not provide it in our aged-care will not allow it and we provide either,”. facilities (1) Catholic Victorian providers care palliative will not they say law with a VAD cooperate impression that biased questioning has been used to to used been has biased questioning that impression like: question a instance, For the results. manipulate all suffering, relieve can care palliative that “given voluntary legalise idea to think it is a good do you misleading lead to dying?” inevitably would assisted are of VAD opponents that It is clear outcomes. to bid in a desperate tactics use dishonest willing to supporting the bill. from dissuade MPs on 3 August on 3 August

reported the alleged the alleged reported

there is no other reference is no other reference there reported: reported: where he observed that, that, he observed where The Australian (1) The Australian

questions that were asked, one cannot escape the cannot escape one asked, were that questions questions. As HOPE have still failed to reveal the reveal to failed still As HOPE have questions. can be easily manipulated through use of biased through be easily manipulated can that were asked. It is widely known that poll results poll results that known It is widely asked. were that findings without disclosing the survey questions questions findings without disclosing the survey Disappointingly, The Australian Disappointingly, website, nor in the original newspaper article. nor in the original newspaper website, of respondents was never mentioned on HOPE’s on HOPE’s mentioned never was of respondents It is interesting that this support by the majority this support that It is interesting legalisation of voluntary euthanasia at 70 per cent..” at 70 per cent..” euthanasia voluntary of legalisation group HOPE and shows headline support for the headline support for HOPE and shows group was conducted last month for the anti-euthanasia the anti-euthanasia for month last conducted was stated: “The Sexton survey of 1200 voters in Victoria in Victoria “The of 1200 voters survey stated: Sexton

and assisted dying right.”, and assisted in our political classes to get the issue of euthanasia get to classes in our political article in A follow-up in the Australian shows a significant level of distrust of distrust level a significant shows in the Australian HOPE. by describes the poll as being commissioned while HOPE’s website reports “Polling noted today today noted “Polling reports website while HOPE’s article the quoted that the fact the poll despite to DyingForChoice.com On 27 July, Neil Francis responded with a blog on with a responded Neil Francis On 27 July, parliament.’ ’’ parliament.’ do not want to see this rammed through by the state the state by through see this rammed to do not want right,’ Mr Russell said. ‘Overwhelmingly, Victorians Victorians Russell said. ‘Overwhelmingly, Mr right,’ legalisation and there is no trust to get this process this process get to trust is no and there legalisation ‘There is simply no electoral mandate for this for ‘There mandate is simply no electoral government a strong message on the issue. message a strong government polling suggested voters were sending the Andrews sending the Andrews were voters polling suggested remained.….. HOPE director Paul Russell said the Paul HOPE director remained.….. rushed, claiming too many unanswered questions questions unanswered many rushed, claiming too did not want the proposed legislation to be legislation the proposed did not want On 26 July of respondents 49 per cent HOPE Inc, revealed lobby but is currently focusing his efforts on Victoria. on Victoria. his efforts focusing but is currently anti-euthanasia by poll, conducted “The statewide lobby group called HOPE, is based in South Australia, Australia, HOPE, is based in South called group lobby Paul Russell (pictured), the Director of anti-VAD of anti-VAD the Director Russell (pictured), Paul

quoting himself quoting Paul Russell’s tactic of tactic Russell’s Paul 10 Dying with Dignity New South Wales | Winter 2017 ‘The EuthanasiaDebate’ September 2015 ‘The Archbishop Anthony Fisher versus Peter Singer in against assisted dying The religious lobby Denton’s opinion piece: familiar storyline: how theChristian political lobby, playing outin realtimeandithasa depressingly there’s onehappeningright now inVictoria. It’s “For thosewholike to watch rerunsofolddramas, Below isanextract from thearticle: powerful Christian minority over ourlaws. and thedisproportionate influence wielded bya arguments beingpromoted by the religious lobby, Denton style, thisbrilliant commentary exposes the was publishedin On 17June,anopinionpieceby Andrew Denton the law hasbeenpassed. have afight onitshandswiththese facilities once has beenlegalised. TheVictorian government may obligation to comply withpatients’ wishes,once VAD taxpayers, DWD NSW believes that they have an As thesefacilities are fundedmainly by Australian VAD scheme. staff intheiremployment from participating inthe of Catholic institutions banninghundreds ofmedical It isunclearhow thenew law would stand inthe face is intended asaconscience matter for theindividual. objection onthebasisofpersonal religious views, it Ministerial Panel Advisory allows for conscientious Although thelaw proposed by theVictorian and last year treated 54,000inpatients. Melbourne, whichhas880beds,employs 5000staff including thepublicly-funded StVincent’s Hospital provider, owning four hospitals inMelbourne, Australia’s biggest Catholic not-for-profit healthcare number offacilities isgrowing. StVincent’s is facilities are run by theCatholic Church, andthe In Australia, more than60%of allpalliative care The SaturdayPaper. Intypical Americans hasaccess to suchlaws.… has alreadyhappenedin theUS,whereoneinsix the vulnerable.Andweknow they workbecause this provide effective safeguards, specifically toprotect The truthisthatavoluntary assisted dyinglawdoes to suffer and to take their own lives … vulnerable –Victorians who aredying–to continue the religiousextremists willleavethegenuinely know they arewronganddishonest. Shamefully, with. They willmake theseclaimseven thoughthey beshunted asideanddoneaway disabled? They’ll be coerced to die early, they willsay. Whataboutthe cloak ofcompassion. Whatabouttheelderly?They’ll religious objections come inanotherguise:the in asecularsociety, soyoumaywellfindthatthe Of course, thatargument doesn’tgodown well come to know Godbetter. because itisthroughsuffering thatyouwillgrow and will saythatinany case itisgoodfor youto suffer the suffering of5per cent ormoreofpatients. They palliative care sector itselfsaysithasnoanswer for all suffering attheendoflife, even thoughthe will make thecase thatpalliative care can address Those opponents whocome inthenameofGod surrender power, orchoice, to others. But itisadistinct threat to thosewhodon’tlike to an important culturalshiftunderwayinmedicine. to partnershipinthedoctor–patient relationship is “power to thepatient”. Theshiftfrompaternalism If itwerearevolution, the street bannerwouldbe shows themajorityofelectors want alaw. … hasbeendoneanonymously.survey Even then,itstill dare vote for anassisted dyinglaw. Remarkably, the voters willpunishthemattheballotbox shouldthey purporting to show thatChristianresults ofa‘survey’ MPs onslimmarginsarebeingcajoled withthe Vulnerable seatsarebeingtargeted. Government mobilised. but alreadyhardcore religiousopponents have parliament. Thevote might bethreemonths away, on legislation to beintroduced to theVictorian Later thisyeartherewillbeaconscience vote The issueinthiscase isvoluntary assisted dying. wholly unrepresentative ofthe community view. of representative democracy to get aresultthatis And here’s thetwist: they willusetheprocesses sets outto stop whatthe clearmajoritywants. which represents asmallminorityofthecommunity, Dying with Dignity New South Wales | Winter 2017 11

(27 June), (27 Charter of Human Charter The Guardian The He concluded his speech by saying “It is not about a saying his speech by He concluded help if you ask for to about a right It’s die’. to ‘right It’s relief. meaningful medical are dying and beyond conscience, freedom of thought, to about the right protection to about the right It’s religion and belief. and cruel, inhuman or degrading from torture right.” about what’s It’s treatment. to video of the full speech is available The youtube (58 mins). page news on our website watch Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006. and Responsibilities Rights to urge. A law to live. It is our verydeepest fight “We a for a very particular, help someone die is written very are the very small, group of people. They sickest vulnerable. And there The most people in our society. of them would seek such any is only one reason why despite sometimes, help — or be given it: because the only thing that will end care, medical the best said. Denton is death.” suffering Denton: assistance to end to assistance Denton: a human right is suffering 21 July to a speech on delivered Denton Andrew Human for Centre Castan the Monash University’s are VAD allow would that laws that arguing Rights, with the [Victorian] consistent In a recent article in article recent In a Victoria, of DWD Vice-President Syme, Dr Rodney churches, of Christian authority the moral that stated is weakening: church, the Catholic especially “Thereon moral opposition fundamental is a rarely dying, very but you’ll assisted to grounds because that, coming out saying find the church weight any does not carry argument moral that number of up a huge set in discussion. They are fact they the reveal don’t that organisations organisations. or Catholic religious sounds nice, doesn’t it? One is Hope. Hope front.” actually a Catholic But it’s

The 2016 Australian The 2016 Australian Census revealed the largest that in Australia religion is “no today More religion”. on people put that their census form

, Hugh Post The Huffington

service is really about?” Acting for the greater good. Isn’t that what public good. Isn’t that what public for the greater Acting Secularism is growing wouldn’t deny that right to others.” to that right wouldn’t deny consider the options afforded by this bill. And I by this bill. afforded the options consider however, that it would be a comfort to be able to be able to to that it would be a comfort however, in prolonged and excruciating pain. I am certain, certain, pain. I am excruciating in prolonged and “I do not know what I would do if I were dying what I would do if I were dying “I do not know act into law with these words: act into priests before signing his state’s death with dignity his state’s signing before priests who studied to be a Jesuit priest and consulted other and consulted be a Jesuit priest to who studied beliefs, consider California governor Jerry Brown, Jerry governor Brown, California consider beliefs, And if you find your judgement conflicted by your conflicted your judgement And if you find electorate will support you.... electorate the sure knowledge that the vast majority of your majority vast that the knowledge the sure to enforce suffering as a virtue. You will do so with You will as a virtue. suffering enforce to false claims and fear peddled by those who seek those who peddled by fear claims and false make your decision based on facts rather than the rather than the facts based on your decision make targeted by the fringe Christian lobby, I urge you to urge you I lobby, fringe Christian the by targeted If you are an MP in a marginal seat and being being seat and marginal MP in a are an If you opposition is a vote-changer.” vote-changer.” opposition is a politicians abandoned the fallacy that religious fallacy that politicians abandoned the only 8% still attend church regularly, it is high time regularly, church attend only 8% still support the latter, 84% are non-observant. Since non-observant. 84% are support the latter, support voluntary assisted dying. Of those that dying. Of those that assisted support voluntary sex marriage, and 70% of Catholics and Anglicans and Anglicans and 70% of Catholics marriage, sex fact that the majority of Christians support same support the majority of Christians that fact Emphasising the nominal nature of their belief is the of their belief Emphasising the nominal nature In an opinion piece in affiliation. than a cultural little more represents of social policy, including voluntary assisted dying. assisted including voluntary of social policy, marking ‘Christian’ many, “For Harris states historically has exerted political influence on matters matters on influence political has exerted historically is likely to weaken the role of the church, which which of the church, the role weaken to is likely The growing secularisation of Australian society society of Australian secularisation The growing the most common religion, fell from 25.3% to 22.6%. 22.6%. 25.3% to from fell religion, common the most last census in 2012. At the same time Catholicism, the same time Catholicism, census in 2012. At last by 30.1% of Australians, an increase of 9% since the of an increase 30.1% of Australians, by to any particular religion. “No religion” was selected was selected religion” religion. “No particular any to than those who nominated themselves as belonging themselves than those who nominated 12 Dying with Dignity New South Wales | Winter 2017 details seetheback cover ofthisnewsletter. can contact Bev Symons on0413 376343.For more not aDWD NSW event, butifyou have questions you from https://tickets.demand.film/event/1991. Thisis available on-line only($20plusa$1.65bookingfee) Centre onMonday August 28at 2pm.Tickets are Black, willbescreened at Hoyts ErinaFair Shopping Please note that theexcellent documentary Fade to perspective; procedures at Central Coast hospitals Committee. Topic: Advance care directives: alocal Coast Local HealthDistrict Advance Care Planning Guest Speaker: Peter Cleasby, Chairperson, Central Our next meeting isFriday, 18August, 2017,with preferably handwritten. our letters short‘if you and want them to read it’ to MPs abouttheNSW bill,suggesting that we keep quarterly meeting. Lynda encouraged people to write Assisted was Dying, theguest speaker at ourMay Parliamentary Working Group ontheVoluntary Lynda Voltz MLC, oneoffive members oftheNSW has offered themahelpinghand. DWD NSW, and theCentral Coast DWD Committee Participants inthisgroup will be encouraged to join the Brentwood Village End-of-Life ChoicesGroup. decided to form anongoing discussiongroup called to theirlocal MemberofParliament (MP).They also Retirement Village inKincumberhosted Judith Members ofourgroup livingat Brentwood presentation inMay to the Woy Woy Senior Citizens. Thanks to MegWallace for givingan informative Central Coast group groups: Reports from related dying (VAD) to present of voluntary assisted a petition insupport subsequently took up Brentwood residents as aguest speaker. member (pictured), Daley, DWD NSW Board Phone: 0413376343 Email: [email protected] DWD Central Coast Group Annie Sobey andBeverley Symons Everyone ismost welcome. The Hive, ErinaFair (opposite theErinaLibrary desk). All ourmeetings are heldinMeeting RoomNo.3, Topic: Thenurses’ unionandassisted dying President, NSW Nurses andMidwives Association 24 November withGuest Speaker: Coral Levitt, Our finalmeeting for2017willbeonFriday, Mid-north Coast group assistant Terry also attended. Inher welcome, Leslie for Port Macquarie (pictured below) and her the processes involved. LeslieWilliams,theMember and reasoning behindsome oftheprovisions, and presented anoverview ofthebill,background was represented by theHonTrevor KhanMLC, who The Parliamentary Working Group onAssisted Dying session inPort MacquarieabouttheNSW VAD bill. On 11July, we co-hosted aspecialpublicinformation We thank U3Afor thisopportunity. University oftheThird Age (U3A)philosophy course. discussion onvoluntary assisted aspartofa dying, In June,AlanaHamilton participated inapanel such apersonal andintimate journey. you SusanandGraeme for beingsobrave insharing people livingwithdementia, andtheir carers. Thank people understand themany challenges faced by the day. Thecouple are sharing theirstory sothat specifically for DWD andsang for thefirst timeon many songsabouthisillness,includingonehewrote involved bothmusicandtalk. Graeme haswritten and CaringwithAlzheimer’s andOtherDementias’, (pictured). Theirpowerful presentation, ‘Living partners SusanMurphy andGraeme Atkins Guest speakers at ourMay meeting were life Dying with Dignity New South Wales | Winter 2017 13 , submitted by , submitted Western Australian Australian Western The End of Life of Life On June 8, The End Bill Choices (pictured) Seymour David randomly back in 2015, was the members’ from plucked ballot. If passed, the law people over give would illness 18, with a terminal or writing or writing [email protected] or a ‘grievous’ medical condition, the option to the option condition, medical or a ‘grievous’ the support of dying, have if they choose assisted politicians will be given Zealand New doctors. two be to on the bill, which is unlikely vote a conscience that election. It appears the federal on before voted pass. to the numbers have it may Western Australia hopes Australia Western Inquiry too have to a to establish In June, a motion put on the was Choices End-of-life Inquiry into David MP. Sanderson Amber-Jade by notice paper minister who is the government MP, Templeman media told debated, are which laws for responsible of of this committee the establishment in July that in August. be debated inquiry would bill Zealand New Ian Wood for VE Choice Christians Co-ordinator, National 2575. NSW Mittagong Villa 1/4 Wills Place, Labor votes Queensland legislation VAD support to State Labor Party the Queensland Australian At following the on 29 July, in Townsville Conference legislation was passed: “Labor will introduce motion adults who are for dying assisted voluntary for the model of the Dying with following ill, terminally Assisted Model, and the Voluntary Dignity/Oregon in Victoria”. Dying legislation New members supporting our group are very are our group supporting members New to us help Please time. critical this at welcome do support Christians most that the fact publicise is free. Membership VAD. for choice compassionate by and address name your know me Simply let emailing below. address my to . For more more . For Black to Fade Finally, we have have we Finally, a special organised one-off screening of 23 on Wednesday 2pm at at August Cinemas Majestic Macquarie. Port

should be very interesting, interesting, should be very reported that she had received received she had that reported the supporting letters many She encouraged bill. proposed her to write people to more to an appointment make and to particularly see her personally, a relevant had have if they experience. personal

‘Transitioning from Home to Retirement Retirement to from Home ‘Transitioning ‘Death doulas and funeral preparations’.

https://tickets.demand.film/event/1978 me on 0432 048 414. entry includes morning tea. Everyone is welcome. Everyone morning tea. includes entry from incl. booking fee) online only ($21.65 available call can you questions any you have this newsletter.If St, Port Macquarie (kindly provided at no cost). $5 no cost). at Macquarie (kindly provided St, Port are support the film. Tickets and Please come of cover about the film please see the back details in the Rushcutter Room at Port Panthers Club, 1 Bay Club, 1 Bay Panthers Port at Room in the Rushcutter will discuss 10am till noon held from are meetings Our quarterly The following meeting will be on 28 November and will be on 28 November meeting The following especially in the light of recent ABC reports. ABC reports. of recent light especially in the presentation presentation guest speaker Ivan McMaster from Orange. His Orange. from McMaster Ivan speaker guest Our next meeting is on 29 August 2017, with 2017, is on 29 August meeting Our next Home’ Village/Nursing posted or handed to those in the Lower House. those in the Lower or handed to posted NSW Upper House, and they are progressively being progressively are House, and they Upper NSW been delivered to each Member of Parliament in the each Member of Parliament to been delivered well as a specifically Christian perspective. A copy has copy A perspective. Christian specifically a as well support for VAD from a mainstream perspective, as perspective, a mainstream from VAD support for I have prepared a presentation folder outlining a presentation prepared I have

Choice for VE Choice for Christians SupportingChristians Ph 0432 048 414 email: [email protected]. email: [email protected]. Annie Quadroy Group Mid-north Coast DWD Convenor, 14 Dying with Dignity New South Wales | Winter 2017 Dyingwith DignityNSW ABN22002 545235isanot-for-profit company limited by guarantee. Mobile orLandlineNumber: Postal Address Email Address Full name&preferred title: Are you afinancialmemberofDyingwithDignityNSW? Please post yourcompleted form to DWD NSW POBox 25BROADWAY NSW 2007 I would like to make adonation of(pleasetickthe preferred box): Expiry date:Expiry Card Number: Cardholder Name:______Signature:______Other $______Other Please selectoneofthepayment options below: or scan itandemailthe copy to us [email protected] (if you useemailfairly regularly) __ / Please charge my Mastercard orVisaCard I encloseaChequeorMoney Order DWD NSW BSB032249Account 160719 I willdeposittheamount into theWestpac bankaccount __ __ via ournew DWD NSW website -see www.dwdnsw.org.au Rather thanusethisform, you can alsochooseto make adonation online $ 50 $ 20

: CV __ OR OR (please write theamountyou would like to donate) (payable to DWDNSW) (last 3digitsonbackofcredit card) (as perdetails below) YES $ 500 $ 200 website: dwdnsw.org.au

NO DONATION FORM Dying with Dignity New South Wales | Winter 2017 15 Les Ware, with her husband Greg Les Ware, Once Greg could no longer blink ‘one for yes’ or yes’ for blink ‘one no longer could Once Greg In the last when I hit a wall. that’s no’, for ‘two minutes few every distressed he was weeks few the problem find out what no longer but I could him; reposition to pain; how the was - where was and was he thirsty on him; a fly crawling was water? of thickened needed another teaspoon smile. But – oh could no longer he this time By raise able to the spirit of a man who hadn’t been felt such when I One day months. for two a finger to how knowing not over despair and frustration his hand, and knees, took my to soothe him, I fell my his lap, sobbing. To head into my collapsed my hand lifted he slowly astonishment absolute as long as For of us in disbelief! – both his lips to – except he did that how know I will never I live on earth. force powerful most love...the through was he pain, I knew he suffering Not only was was utterly I that knowing greatly suffering and wrist hernia had a stomach exhausted, even couldn’t and he lifting him, from ganglion heart- me. It was he loved me hold me or tell us both. for breaking stay to fought My husband, as did our parents, It should had ANY quality of life. while they alive we what say to choice but our own be nobody’s we’ve before go can we far bear and how can die to had been ready body had enough. Greg’s our that way some time, but not the quite for I the means him pass. Had have would leaders his wishes knew and permission, I certainly my lay me to empower to and had the love leaders If only our country’s rest. to soulmate compassion in their and love had a little of that losing their seat. fear hearts. Parliamentarians no sense absolutely makes Unnecessary suffering anyone drive could what Who knows whatsoever. being humane? against vote to

for MND patients because because MND patients for He cough). cannot they responded, immediately live to I don’t want “No, with tubes out that, like He mumbled of me.” one the same response when he had later, month further and deteriorated like if he would asked was

Greg was a fine man, held in the greatest esteem esteem held in the greatest a fine man, was Greg deeply loved him, and of course all who knew by and I met and close friends. Greg his family by 44 for married were 18, and we when he was home and at Greg for care to I wanted years. as an aide in nursing as I had worked able to felt and had cared much younger, homes when I was when a However, ill parents. terminally three for complete need they with MND suffering is person hourly checks. just at all times, not attention wonderful were professionals The health care and courage mighty of Greg’s in awe and were sometimes were team care spirit. The palliative look after to I improvised the way amused at handy in very came in our home. Velcro Greg arms, legs, and tying poor Greg’s things like for Greg chair. chair or wheel shower the to torso immovable thick, almost stickiest, the endured the back of his throat from being vacuumed saliva him prevent to and nights the days throughout speak, he still could choking. While Greg from if he hospital to go to want if he would asked was of death cause pneumonia (a common developed Greg was a man of 65 who could do everything - do everything of 65 who could a man was Greg all. He was at nothing 11 months, then within body Motor lower with upper and diagnosed 2015, on 2 November Disease (MND) Neurone 2016. and died on 5 June so that his stomach into directly a tube inserted Greg that be grateful can I guess we eat. he could he how of choices as to a couple given least at was he not was then But why days. his last live to was die when the would he to choose how permitted whatsoever, fear of death came? He had no time him go. have this disease would only of the way be allowed the only choice he would that He knew or both. or suffocate, starve, be to would make to smile and his acceptance Greg’s Nevertheless, us all strength. gave MND - Our story - Our MND Macquarie, NSW. of Port Les Ware by Filmmaker and Producer, Jeremy Ervine, shot more Fade to Black - the film than one hundred hours of footage and interviewed dozens of people for this movie. Fade to Black provides a history and background to the issue of assisted dying, including the passing and subsequent undoing of legislation in the Northern Territory, and the laws that exist in other countries.

The film features interviews with key players in the debate, including Dr Rodney Syme, Andrew Denton and Dr Philip Nitschke, as well as politicians for change, Dr Richard Di Natale and Fiona Patten. Whilst presenting a balanced view of the issue (including footage of arguments mounted by the Christian Fade to Black is a feature-length documentary that opposition), ultimately the pro-choice view prevails. follows the travails of Peter Short, who mounted a With law reform now on the agenda, we hope that personal campaign to legalise voluntary assisted dying Fade to Black will be a powerful force for change. in the lead-up to his death in December 2014. Raising

$160,000, it is the most successful crowdfunded The premier screenings in Sydney on 3 August were Australian documentary. It is premiering across followed by excellent panel discussions hosted by Australia throughout August and September. ABC radio personality, Tony Delroy. Peter’s widow, Elizabeth Short, was on the panel and did a number of radio and television interviews in the lead-up to the film launch. She is encouraging people to get inspired by the film and then write to, call or visit politicians. Elizabeth predicts that only complacency will destroy this critical opportunity for success.

One-off screenings of Fade to Black are also planned at Port Macquarie (23 Aug); Murwillumbah (24 Aug); Erina (28 Aug); Newcastle (11 Sep); Peter Short with filmmaker Jeremy Ervine in December 2014. Mount Victoria, Hurstville & Sawtell (12 Sept); Glendale & Armidale (13 Sep); Wagga (14 Sep) and Fade to Black is centred around the personal story of Campbelltown & Ballina (18 Sep). Peter Short, the charismatic CEO of a major Australian For more details and to buy tickets see the website company. He is diagnosed with terminal oesophageal www.fadetoblackmovie.com cancer on his 57th birthday and learns that he has only months to live. After hearing about Dr Rodney Syme, who has admitted that he has helped many terminally ill people to end their lives, Peter was inspired to meet him.

Peter was not only comforted by the idea of having control over the end of his life, but felt it was his right to choose it. After meeting with Dr Syme, Peter started raising awareness about the law getting in the way of his freedom to choose, and joined forces with DWD to campaign for voluntary assisted dying. Linda Scott, Elizabeth Short and Shayne Higson at Sydney Premier.

Dying with Dignity NSW (DWD NSW) is an advocacy organisation pursuing a change in the law that will enhance choice at the end of life. Our activities include lobbying politicians; liaising with media, building alliances; running pre-election campaigns; creating and promoting videos of personal stories; increasing public awareness through workshops and forums; sharing news of Australian and global developments; encouraging discussion of end-of-life preferences and provision of advance care planning forms to members. website www.dwdnsw.org.au JOIN US NOW. DONATE NOW.