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

Sir Mark Oliphant, a patron of SAVES since 1984, died in July. He was one of Australia's great scientists whose outstanding scientific work earned him a knighthood in 1959. Twelve years later he was appointed Governor of SA, commenting at the time that "My wife and I are very simple people and we expect to continue to live a simple life ... the Governor should be one of the people, not on a pedestal."

Sir Mark was very outspoken, often about environmental issues, and argued "I've always felt that if one felt strongly about something, one should be outspoken about it, that one shouldn't tolerate what one regarded as evil". Even those who disagreed with him still listened to his views. Sir Mark had a long-standing concern with social problems and this concern led him to become a patron of our society.

SAVES President Mary Gallnor sent an expression of sympathy to Sir Mark's family on behalf of the membership and committee. We have been honoured to have Sir Mark as a patron; he will be sadly missed.