Northam residents will get their chance to comment on key issues related to voluntary assisted dying with the town set to host a public forum on proposed legislation for the matter.
The state government has earmarked Northam as one of four regional destinations set to host the forums, with the purpose of the discussion to assist the development of fully informed and workable legislation, not to review or debate the arguments for or against voluntary assisted dying.
This follows the release of a discussion paper by the Ministerial Expert Panel on Voluntary Assisted Dying in March, which outlines key issues for the proposed legislation.
Feedback is expected to help inform the expert panel's final report to the government.
Health Minister Roger Cook said the consultation was crucial to having safe, compassionate and effective legislation that meets the needs of all WA residents.
"Western Australians have shown consistent and widespread community support for voluntary assisted dying reform, and the McGowan government is committed to ensuring the highest quality end-of-life and palliative care for all Western Australians," he said.
"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.
"The public forums held to date have been well attended and have generated thoughtful discussion and important feedback to understand community views. We have also had a high written response rate."
Registration details, the discussion paper and more information about the planned consultation sessions and upcoming legislation can be found on the Department of Health's website at health.wa.gov.au/voluntaryassisteddying
