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

The Dignity in Dying Bill 2001 has been voted into committee stage of SA Parliament where it can now be fully debated. This is a legislative milestone for voluntary euthanasia in SA, as neither the Quirke nor Levy Bills were afforded full debate. It is also the furthest a bill has progressed within parliament in any Australian state. Three SAVES committee members, Frances Coombe, Mary Gallnor and myself listened from within the President's Gallery to the passionate Second Reading Speech by Sandra Kanck late in the evening of 25^th July. It was then voted into committee stage 10 votes to 9.

Mary Gallnor, our brilliant, hard working strategist used her extensive political experience to utmost advantage and left no stone unturned in lobbying for this bill. SAVES produced eight letters, with accompanying material, which were sent to MPs, formulating the most important arguments for support of the bill. Special thanks go to Eric Gargett for his careful drafting of much of this information and Gerry Versteeg for his efficient packing and delivery of the letters.

Sandra Kanck and Bob Such subsequently addressed the July 2001 SAVES General Meeting giving their reflections on this historic event. The challenge according to Sandra Kanck is to get the bill through the parliamentary process so that each clause can be debated separately, amended if necessary and then voted upon. Sandra is 'philosophical' about the chances of the bill's success, but has given her ongoing commitment to law reform, for as long as she is an elected member.

Bob Such spoke of the anger he feels at MPs not representing their constituents in this issue, and how this is a grave denial of the democratic process. Nine out of twenty members voted against comprehensive debate within parliament on this important social issue, even though they are aware of the overwhelming support for law reform within the community. Dr Such has now withdrawn the bill until after the election as there are too few days left for debate.

The VE Bulletin will continue to keep readers informed of the progress of this historic bill.