MELBOURNE, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- The legalization of voluntary euthanasia in Victoria is a step closer with two senior government ministers supporting the practice for the first time.
Health Minister Jill Hennessy and Treasurer Tim Pallas, two members of Premier Daniel Andrews' caucus, both declared their support for assisted dying, giving the strongest indication yet that the state would legalize euthanasia.
"Those of us that have seen loved ones die in circumstances that are less than desirable, we don't want to see our lives defined by our passing, and everybody has a right to determine, where they can, the manner in which they pass," Pallas told Fairfax Media on Wednesday.
"This is a matter that we need to have a community debate about, we do need to recognize that this is an issue of conscience, and speaking from my conscience I believe it is time for that debate."
Hennessy, who is responsible for formulating the government's response to a parliamentary inquiry which recommended Victoria legalize euthanasia, said that community support for euthanasia was growing.
"I believe that as a government, and as a parliament we need to look at euthanasia very closely," Hennessy told Fairfax in comments published on Wednesday.
"Personally - and I believe personal experience plays a strong role in informing people's views on this issue - I support euthanasia.
"I also think it is clear community sentiment has shifted on this issue, and there is significant community debate around euthanasia at the moment." Enditem
