Euthanasia on Labor agenda

LABOR will consider the legalising of voluntary euthanasia in Queensland at its state conference this weekend.

Any Queensland legislation would be modelled on reforms being pursued in Victoria and laws in the US state of Oregon.

The guidelines included for proposed Victorian laws would require that a patient is to be expected to die within 12 months but still be able to show enough mental capacity to decide to end their life.

The motion is expected to succeed with strong backing from Labor’s dominant Left faction and with some support from the Right and Old Guard.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she would “seek the views of Queenslanders” before committing to any reforms.

Among supporters of the motion is Townsville MP Scott Stewart, who said he had changed his position.

“I think it’s time Queensland had a mature discussion about this,” he said.