Dear Member of the Victorian Parliament,

I am attaching a copy of my letter dated November 10, 2003. I received a response from some 35 from the 130 letters posted. The Labor Leader did not respond, Liberal Leader said it would be a conscience vote, and the National Leader would oppose Legislation change for Choice and Dignity in Dying. The Minister for Health and the Department of Justice sent form letters which said nothing new to me.

I understand you personally have little concept of what “having cancer” means in terms of emotions, energy and thoughts. It literally eats into your psychic, changing you forever. Internally and externally, cancer, making every day precious, not for wealth and power, but rather the important things in life, like peace of mind. Serenity is sorely needed to face the unknown in a calm and purposeful way. It is a period in one’s life when you really do feel a shift in the power of your own wellbeing. We have to rely on others perhaps for the first time in many years. We’re used to being “in charge.” It can be galling to know that such a simple matter of Legislative change could mean living each day to the fullest without the fear of a painful death, always just below the surface. I am aware it will be so, I just don’t know when! I am asking for your help to make a difference.

Perhaps we all need to take the view of the average farmer, that is, life is not so very precious to the exclusion of all other considerations. He kills the grievously sick animal quickly and efficiently to relieve it from an intolerable situation. I believe the reality of death ought to be more honestly and openly discussed. It will eventuate for everyone, even those who would rather avoid the subject altogether.

Ms Pike, current Minister for Health, during a radio interview on 774, quoted a budget of $27B, of which $10B is spent on health. There was open discussion on the need to prioritize spending within the Health Budget, with talk of a 5 year public waiting list for dentistry work to name one area, my brother in Ballarat being one of these statistics. I doubt any politician would be in a financial situation that would result in prolonged discomfort brought about by untreated decay of the teeth and gums. Another caller spent 36 hours in a passageway on a hospital trolley, but the hospital “hoped” to get it down to WBP (World’s Best Practice) of 4 hours!!! With an ageing population Ms Pike, the situation is not about to improve. 

Ms Pike, there is a solution which is so very simple.

Let those who are terminally ill and wish to die, do so! It can be achieved very discreetly by allowing all members of the public to have their wishes encoded on their Medicare Card and keyed into the Health system along with their personal details. Make a Living Will part of the normal processes. Death is normal. A vast majority of people don’t hold strong religious views and for those who don’t have concerns about life after death (myself included) should be treated as such.

SOME HISTORY RELATING TO LEGISLATIVE CHANGE FOR A MERCIFUL DEATH:

Mr Latham in 1997 is quoted as saying “Terminally ill citizens deserve nothing less than liberty in determining the manner by which their lives might end”. (Debate: Euthanasia Laws Bill 1997.).

As Mr John Thwaites, then Shadow Minister for Health, referred in a media release dated April 3, 1995 to “Terms of Reference for a parliamentary inquiry to determine whether it is desirable to change the law to allow doctors to assist terminally ill patients who wish to die.” I again quote Mr Thwaites “The Opposition believes that Parliament cannot sweep this issue under the carpet … this issue is a fundamental community issue which needs to be openly debated”. You are no longer “the Opposition”.

My own endeavours were to have the issue raised through an ALP Branch Meeting, at the State Conference held in May 2004 via the Health, Community Services & Senior Victorians Policy Committee, under Legislative change in Advance Directives.

I have tried the direct approach to all Parliamentarians, I have tried the Political Process and I have participated in Peaceful Demonstrations. I am 62 years of age, these past five years or so have knocked me about physically. I could be your sister, your mother or your aunt. I would rather spend more time with my five grandchildren. I believe in the power of one, to motivate the many. I’ve always said it was about choice: if what I am asking for is not for you, then let nature take its course. Please let the parliamentary processes be implemented to make such choices as Legislative change legal and binding. You can still make the difference, but what will it take to get meaningful action NOW? Can someone please show some fortitude and determination thereby bringing this issue to a satisfactory conclusion for the thousands who have gone before me!

HISTORY CONTINUED:

National Executive Resolution on Euthanasia passed on August 9, 1996
Mark Latham during debate on the Euthanasia Laws Bill 1997 was supportive
Victorian PLP Resolution Dying with Dignity passed on June 23, 1997
Australian Democrat Senator Lyn Allison introduced a private member’s bill to repeal the Euthanasia Laws Act 1997, in March 2004
Federally, the Government proposes legislation Crimes Legislation Amendment, Telecommunications Offences and Other Measures, Bill 2004 seeks to target suicide promotion material. 
As of May 2004, the Medical Treatment Act is ignored by many and poorly understood within the medical community, as stated by the VESV.
Obtain a copy of the transcript of the Sunday Program “Dying by Inches” filmed July 18; a compulsive read, in which a number of medical experts talk of the hard decisions they have to make each and every day. This document is 15 pages: I would send you a copy, but as a self-funded retiree I have limited resources. I consider it absolutely essential reading for Ms Pike and those associated with the Health (& Death) care of the community.
The Minister for Health bemoans the fact that Health Budget requirements must be prioritized, yet fails to address the fundamental saving of millions of dollars by allowing those who wish to die a peaceful death with medical assistance.
Legislative change to assist those who want Choice and Dignity in Dying is only possible if you as Members of Parliament implement it.
Ignoring statistics on death by suicide of those pushed beyond their limits will not make the issue go away.

In closing I will quote from a leaflet being handed to the general public by myself and others:

CHOICE AND DIGNITY IN DYING: 
We are gathered here peacefully on the steps of Flinders Station to draw attention to the lack of choice available regarding the manner, timing and place of our death. We urge the members of this Parliament to seriously and without fear, debate this issue and to pass legislation which allows choice and dignity in medically assisted dying whilst providing adequate safeguards against abuse. Enquiries: Voluntary Euthanasia Society of Victoria Inc.
www. vesv. org. au or phone 03 9521 3297. 
Please do not Litter

To those Politicians who responded to my first letter, please accept my sincere thanks. At this time I would now ask you in a position of power, to instigate a change in direction for those already very ill folks not well enough to fight for the cause. Please take on board some of my concerns and initiate change for the benefit of those less fortunate. 

Mary Walsh
August 18, 2004

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