SAVES is not affiliated with Exit International / Dr Philip Nitschke and opposes the public availability of a 'peaceful pill'.

In her 2004 President's Report Frances Coombe stated that it is only a matter of time before legislation is enacted allowing choice for voluntary euthanasia, and therefore the debate should move on from why choice is needed to the practicalities of legislation, which are safeguards, guidelines and accountability.

The highlight of each year since 1995 has surely been the fact of voluntary euthanasia bills have continuously been in state parliament. The 1995 bill introduced by John Quirke was dismissed without debate. The subsequent bill introduced by Anne Levy was considered by the Social Development Committee, and now the Dignity in Dying Bill, introduced by Sandra Kanck is being debated, clause by clause, in both houses. Frances thanked Sandra for her determined and seemingly tireless devotion to the cause. The Hon Bob Such who introduced the bill into the lower house is also to be commended.

Frances reminded the audience that many members of parliament are determined to maintain the legal status quo, thus perpetuating suffering. They have a lot to answer for and will be judged by history. However there are also many elected members who are supporters of choice and they need to understand that this is an important issue for voters. 'Contact your MP and ask their views on voluntary euthanasia legislation' was Frances' advice.

Another highlight of the past year was SAVES' attendance at the May 2003 Sydney EXIT Australia Conference. The conference facilitated valuable networking and learning in a stimulating and friendly environment. We work very hard towards solidarity and strength with EXIT Australia. Despite different approaches, we are fellow travellers on the road to successful reform and positive relations are essential if we are to survive this long journey.

Frances reminded the audience that SAVES has always actively worked towards supporting palliative care and that she and Julia Anaf attended the National Palliative Care Conference in September. This was both an expression of support for palliative care and the opportunity to continue positive dialogue with the Palliative Care Council and Palliative Care Australia. However it is a reality that palliative care cannot alleviate the need for voluntary euthanasia and that any strong ideological division between palliative care and voluntary euthanasia will only perpetuate suffering. It is a fact that, where assisted dying has been enacted, palliative care services have increased significantly. It is most important that the Palliative Care Council, all groups who care for hopelessly ill people, and all who have shared interests take an active interest in working towards the best possible legislation that enables a range of choices at the end of life.

Frances discussed the many ways that SAVES seeks to promote their aims, and thanked Membership Officer, Marika McKerral, for successfully placing our pamphlets in twelve doctors' surgeries.

Within Australia and around the world there are constanct challenges to the law and different initiatives for law reform. Here in Australia bills are 'waiting in the wings' of the WA and NSW Parliaments and other voluntary euthanasia societies have bills ready for consideration.

Lyn Allison, federal senator and Deputy Leader of the Democrats, has introduced a bill to repeal the Euthanasia Laws Act (often referred to as the Andrew's Bill). This revoked the NT Rights of the Terminally Ill Act, making it impossible for any of Australia's territories to enact voluntary euthanasia legislation.

In discussing the then impending trial of Lesley Martin, NZ voluntary euthanasia campaigner, who was facing a murder charge in relation to the death of her mother, Frances asked 'how much longer are lawmakers going to hide their heads in the sand, pretending that the whole issue of assisted dying doesn't need serious and rational resolution?' Since 1999 three people in New Zealand have been sentenced to jail terms of up to three years for voluntary euthanasia of close relatives. This tragic scene is replicated around the world.

Lesley Martin's words give cause for reflection - 'This is not just my trial. This is the trial of everyone who's ever made a promise that they would help someone die gently if necessary, and the trial of every doctor who has helped and remained silent. This is not just my trial. It's ours.' SAVES made a donation to Lesley's legal defense fund in May last year and has sent expressions of support which have also been forthcoming from Europe and the USA.

Wherever there has been injustice in the world good people rally to challenge it. Yet the 21 people who sat with Nancy Crick over two years ago are still awaiting a decision on whether or not they will be prosecuted. Meanwhile these courageous people become heroes and certainly contribute to achieving choice for an assisted death.

Dr Jack Kervorkian became a 'willing martyr' for the cause of assisted dying law reform, and has been imprisoned for the last five years. Media access has been denied but legal action is being taken to overturn this. Kevorkian's popular support will probably increase with the release of his new book and a biography due out in the coming months. There's also a movie on his life on the horizon. In 2002 Jack Kervorkian was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. In April 2000 he was awarded The Gleitsman Citizen Activist of the Year Award by The Gleitsman Foundation and received $50,000 for his legal defense trust fund.

The Oregon Death With Dignity legislation's sixth year report (i10 March 2004) states that 42 patients used legal physician-assisted suicide in 2003, compared with 38 in 2002. Overall, about one-seventh of one percent of Oregonians die from taking legally prescribed medication. The major reasons patients chose physician-assisted suicide were concerns about losing autonomy, a decreasing ability to participate in activities that make life enjoyable, and loss of dignity. Rates of death by lethal medication were highest among patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease), HIV/AIDS, and cancer.