X-Message-Number: 7284
Date: Mon, 09 Dec 1996 09:05:14 -0700
From: David Brandt-Erichsen <>
Subject: Australia update

Australian Broadcasting Company News Brief (Dec 9/96; 11:27pm AEDT)

LOWER HOUSE GIVES VOL EUTHANASIA THUMBS DOWN

The private member's bill which aims to over-ride the Northern Territory's
voluntary euthanasia legislation has been passed by the House of
Representatives.  In a conscience vote, meaning MPs weren't forced to vote
along party lines, 91 MPs supported the bill, 38 opposed it and 18 either
weren't present or abstained.  Most of the Cabinet, including Prime Minister
John Howard, supported the bill, sponsored by Liberal backbencher, Kevin
Andrews.  A-L-P leader Kim Beazley also supported the bill, as did most of his
senior colleagues.  But Cabinet Ministers, Peter Reith and John Moore both
opposed the bill.  The Northern Territory's law has already resulted in one
medically assisted death.

Note added by DBE:  This bill was expected to pass in the House but will
face a much tougher time in the Senate in February.  Meanwhile, the law will
remain in effect.


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