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

Frances Coombe welcomed over 40 members and guests to the 2006 SAVES Annual General Meeting. It was pleasing that Emeritus Professor Jim Richardson, SAVES founding president and current patron, was able to attend. Office bearers remain unchanged from last year, with the exception of Marika McKerral, who is currently interstate.

Anne Hirsch was presented with a floral tribute as thanks for her 20 years as honorary secretary, as well as her counseling role in supporting distressed callers; a role that now also includes attending to many ‘distress emails’. Frances thanked the committee for their hard work and stated the urgent need for additional committee members to undertake a growing workload.

A vote of thanks was also given to task force member Eric Gargett, who was a committee member from 1988-1992 and president from 1990-1993. Although no longer a committee member, Gerry Versteeg kindly continues to manage the membership database and VE Bulletin dispatch. Frances gave news of what is happening at the local level. The ‘Respecting Patients’ Choices Program, a trial promoting advance directives, and based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital has had funding extended. Thanks goes to Sandra Kanck for her advocacy role in this matter. During 2005 SAVES made two submissions against the Criminal Code Amendment (Suicide Related Material Offences Act) 2005 which has now been enacted.

SAVES achievements and activities throughout the year include:

• Frances and Mary attending the Eighth National Palliative Care Conference held in Sydney, with the financial support of VES NSW,
• SAVES represented at the 2005 EXIT International Conference in Brisbane,
• SAVES’ new mobile display launched in September at the Adelaide Circulating Library by patron Emeritus Professor Graham Nerlich,
• A major review of SAVES’ website completed thanks to Brenda Aynsley. This now includes a more appropriate listing of SAVES resources and a Media Release listing.(Work is currently in hand to also include on the site the large number of letters sent to members of parliament over the years....ed),
• ‘Awareness Days’ continued to be held regularly on Parliament House steps with a distribution of 100-200 pamphlets on each occasion. This allows for excellent exposure and the opportunity for discussion with the public,
• Media releases and interviews relating to relevant issues, and provision of speakers to community groups on the issue of voluntary euthanasia,
• SAVES presence for a full day (9.00am-9.00pm) in Rundle Mall in 2005 and has two days scheduled for 2006,
• T Shirts designed and now available in red and blue for $15 (plus $5 postage), incorporating SAVES’ logo and the words ‘Voluntary Euthanasia My life, My choice’,
• continual hosting of SAVES’ mobile displays within libraries and
• ongoing strategic political lobbying.

Following an appeal for funds in the March 2006 VE Bulletin over $4500 was donated. This will be invaluable in assisting with the considerable expenses involved in public liability, officials and associations, and voluntary workers insurance, and a range of other expenses.

Frances advised that a new group comprising eleven medical practitioners has been formed entitled ‘Doctors for Australian Medical Association (AMA) Neutrality on Voluntary Euthanasia’. Dialogue is continuing between SAVES and the federal and state branches of the AMA, the Palliative Care Council and Palliative Care Australia.

Shirley Nolan Day is held each year but its timing is always dependent on parliamentary sitting days. This year it is scheduled for 14th November. The day commemorates not only Shirley Nolan OBE, who so strongly advocated a change to the law, but all people who have been forced to endure needless suffering in the face of hopeless or terminal illness. Frances asked those in the audience to show their support by attending if possible.

A trend has been noted towards voluntary euthanasia societies adopting alternative names. For instance the Victorian society is now known as Dignity in Dying Victoria. SAVES has decided against changing its name which is now well known to the public. The society also prefers to maintain clarity in expressing its primary aim.

Sandra Kanck has advised that she will read into Hansard the most common suicide methods, despite this possibly being in breach of the Criminal Code Amendment (Suicide Related Material Offences Act). Senator Lyn Allison’s bill to repeal the Euthanasia Laws Act is still in federal parliament. Frances spoke of the death of Terri Schiavo in March 2005 and advised that her husband, Michael Schiavo, has written a book ‘Terri: The Truth’, which is also being made into a film.

On the international scene India now has guidelines for withdrawing treatment, Korea has had calls for ceasing inappropriate treatment, and China is also exploring issues around death and dying. In the USA a survey has revealed that people do not believe that trust in doctors is undermined by the practice of voluntary euthanasia with appropriate safeguards.

Germany is considering similar legislation to the Australian Criminal Code Amendment (Suicide Related Material Offences Act) in an effort to close down the recently opened Dignitate clinic in Hanover.

In the UK the Church of England and the Catholic Church have joined forces to mount the biggest campaign ever against the right to an assisted death, with the distribution of many thousands of leaflets and DVDs directed against Lord Joffe’s bill. However in Australia and around the world the challenges to inhumane laws are increasing.

Frances invited Mary Gallnor to provide a report on the changes to the South Australian political landscape since the March election. Mary advised that it is proposed to test the views of the lower house by having the Dignity in Dying Bill reintroduced as soon as possible. The bill had been adjourned in late 2005 by Hon Dr Bob Such, pending the state election. Mary outlined the known viewpoints of some members, with a pleasing number in support. Guest speaker, Associate Professor Arnold Gillespie, was then welcomed by Frances, and invited to present his talk ‘Voluntary Euthanasia: One Doctor’s Personal View’, which is discussed below.