A Voluntary Assisted Dying bill is being introduced in West Australia's government

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Australia has what is often called a ‘Westminster’ system of government. There is an Upper and a Lower ‘House’. For a bill to become law, it must be passed by both Houses. The latest bill being introduced into West Australia’s parliament is creating a huge amount of controversy and interest. It is a ‘voluntary assisted dying (VAD) bill’. This has passed an elementary first step. WA is only the second state to have reached this stage. Basically, this bill would give terminally ill WA adults the right to access voluntary euthanasia. There are 184 clauses in the controversial bill and despite the lower house sitting till 5.20am, only 50 clauses were debated in the 20 hours. When, and if, the bill passes the lower house, it seems that getting it passed through the Upper House will be even more challenging. The fight for VAD isn’t over yet. It is a very contentious issue, fraught with opportunities for misuse. I’m not asking for your opinion although, of course, you’re free to give it. However, the bill is creating an immense amount of interest. The photo is of an expanse of white everlastings. They look like clouds laid upside-down on the earth which I suppose is acceptable for a land down under.