The VE Bulletin Excerpts
'No price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself' Rudyard Kipling
State government reviews advance directives: simplifying the process
SAVES has welcomed the opportunity to make a submission to the recent comprehensive review of advance directives in this state. The state government sought public input around these and other legal documents in which people may state their wishes should they become incapable of making future decisions. At present there are four advance directives covering health, finance and lifestyle decisions; this is complicated and confusing.
This review was undertaken in order to allow for clarification, greater public awareness, and greater utilization of these documents, and more seamless public policy. The public was invited to make comment on up to 75 questions that were published on the Dept Health website. SAVES made comment in 48 of these, and commended the government on this very important initiative.
This review does not address the issue of voluntary euthanasia, confining its scope to the existing Consent to Medical Treatment and Palliative Care Act 1995, the Guardianship and Administration Act 1993 and the Powers of Attorney Act 1994.
SAVES president Frances Coombe has been selected to be on the expert advisory panel for the review, in recognition of her expertise in this area, and her understanding of ‘grass roots’ attitudes from SAVES’ ongoing promotion of these important legal documents.
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