Socialist Alliance supports legalising euthanasia and we've advised Dying with Dignity Tasmania (Inc) of this so they've included us on their election website at
http://www.dwdtas.org.au/political/candidates_2010.php
Here is part of our response:
"I am the Socialist Alliance candidate for Franklin. I was given your letter to respond to regarding our position on the proposals outlined...
... I chose to respond to your letter because I currently work as a social worker in a public hospital. I therefore have seen first hand and heard from others the dreadful things that happen because people are not allowed to die with dignity.
I have also just finished the Respecting Patients Choices training about advance care planning. Some of the readings recommended as part of this training highlighted how often patients choices are not respected which is unacceptable and for more needs to be done to ensure that people's choices are honoured...
Socialist Alliance believes that people should have access to legalised
euthanasia with the rigorous protection measures that you outlined in your
letter. We supported the Dying with Dignity private members bill which
was brought forward by the Greens last year. Of course Socialist Alliance
was extremely disappointed that this bill was voted down.
Socialist Alliance will continue to look for opportunities to support any
campaigns to legalise euthanasia in Tasmania and Australia. This is
supported by the majority of the community as highlighted by a recent poll
commissioned poll by Enterprise Marketing and Research Services found 78%
of Tasmanians support euthanasia becoming legal.
We commend your organisation for the wonderful work you do in campaigning
for euthanasia and we will continue to support you and the campaign to
legalise euthanasia in any way that we can.
Kind regards
Jenny Forward
Socialist Alliance for Franklin and
(on behalf of)
Mel Barnes
Socialist Alliance candidate for Denison
