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

SA was well represented by committee, members, and non-members when 22 South Australians attended the Voluntary Euthanasia Research Foundation (VERF) conference held in Broken Hill on 3 - 5 August. Wide-ranging topics were discussed and debated. The following points of discussion, together with SAVES' comments, are presented below. The society's position on some issues may be influenced by the fact that it has been actively focussed on the parliamentary legislative process for more than six years.

1. 'Peaceful Pill'
Both SAVES and VERF have the same goal, which is the recognition of personal autonomy and the relief of unwanted an unnecessary suffering. The organisations approach this goal in different ways. SAVES is committed to law reform which permits choice for voluntary euthanasia. In order to realise this we need not only popular support, but medical co-operation and political will. We therefore can not support development of a 'peaceful pill' which effectively sidelines the medical profession and the law. We consider that the two approaches pursued by SAVES and VERF are incompatible within a single organisation. SAVES admires the compassion expressed for those suffering intolerably, and the respect for personal autonomy displayed by Dr Philip Nitschke. We highly value continuing dialogue with him in pursuit of our common goal and applaud his personal courage.

90% support by show of hands

SAVES does not support a single-issue political party. We do not consider this the best way of achieving our aim, and have neither the person power nor the finance required.

25% support

3. A National Voluntary Euthanasia Organisation

A national voluntary euthanasia organisation could be an advantage, but it has failed once before mainly due to problems of organisation and consensus. Each state has its own agenda, which it needs to pursue according to varying political climates and the fact that legislation is state based. Significant progress is still being made on many fronts.

70% support

SAVES supports of an Australian Caring Friends Programme, which supports those who elect for assistance in dying. However it does not have the person power, expertise or finance to actively participate.

90% support

SAVES supports a humanist hospice and sees this as an important way of ensuring freedom of choice for everyone in their end of life decisions. As voluntary euthanasia will eventually be an option, such an establishment will be essential.

99% support

A statement of support was expressed by SAVES for Jack Kevorkian, reflecting a view that his incarceration was unjust and calling for a review of his sentence.

99% support

A personal reflection on the conference by SAVES' President follows: Camaradarie at Broken Hill From Friday the 3rd to Sunday the 5^th of August, Mary Gallnor, Anne Hirsch, Hamish Claxton and myself attended the inaugural conference of the Voluntary Euthanasia Research Foundation, organised by Philip

Nitschke and Tristan Pawsey. The theme of the conference was 'Dying In Australia - Taking Control' and it promised to be a stimulating and challenging affair, with much learning and sharing of ideas. I felt much like I did when attending the World Federation of Right to Die Societies Conference in Boston last year - a great sense of expectation and excitement. This conference had mainly an Australian focus and featured a number of Australians speaking about a wide range of end - of - life issues.

The night before the conference we attended a meeting of representatives of Australian voluntary euthanasia societies. This was on the suggestion of the Victorian society President Dr Rodney Syme, and the sharing of ideas proved to be very productive; so much so that we are all hoping to meet again in a couple of years time.

Marshall Perron's Keynote Address the next morning was compelling - his opening paragraph is particularly worth quoting:

'We are all familiar with the story of a man whose slow, painful and humiliating death two thousand years ago became a symbol for a more caring and compassionate society. In an unmarked grave here in Broken Hill lies another man whose slow, painful and humiliating death will, in time, become recognised as a crucial turning point in our quest to reduce needless individual suffering in society today.'

Marshall was referring of course to Max Bell, the first person to attempt to use the Northern Territory's revolutionary Rights of the Terminally Ill Act. What better place for this conference than Broken Hill - the former home of Max Bell. Marshall's address, together with the showing of the films made about Max's cruel suffering and the Sunday graveside ceremony in which Des Carne eloquently honoured Max as a hero and martyr, were powerful and humbling in their evocation.

The speakers continued with an array of pertinent and comprehensive discussions throughout the conference. Colleen Cartwright, a lecturer and researcher from the University of Queensland, informed us of the benefits and limits of advance directives, in an open and warm manner. Dr Rodney Syme spoke with extensive knowledge about the hypocrisy of slow euthanasia, while South Australia's Dr Roger Hunt spoke of the capabilities and limits of palliative care in most informative detail. These two compassionate and courageous doctors are openly supportive of choice at end of life.

The conference was held in the Theatre Royal Hotel and we were all most appreciative of the efficiency shown by Brian Stoker, Dianne Flack and staff. They all went out of their way with a warm and friendly hospitality (and the lunchtime sandwiches and cakes were most delicious!).

The 22 South Australians present were thrilled to have Sandra Kanck attending. She was given a most resounding round of applause as she rose to speak. Once again I thought of how fortunate we are to enjoy the benefits of Sandra's deep commitment to our cause. It was most heartening also to hear Ian Cohen (NSW Greens) and Robin Chapple (WA Greens) speak of their plans to introduce voluntary euthanasia bills.

A welcome international perspective was given by Derek Humphry, author of 'Final Exit', who talked about the role of the self help movement, and Dr Faye Girsch, of the United States Hemlock Society, who informed us about the Caring Friends Programme. Listening to both Faye and Derek, and reflecting on their deep commitment, made me once again consider the many hard working humanitarians throughout the world working towards our common cause. We are truly an international movement, gaining power, strength and momentum at every turn.

On the final day Mary participated in her usual most capable and constructive way in a panel discussing future initiatives, and she spoke most positively about the progress made by Australian voluntary euthanasia societies. South Australians had come to the conference on a 'high', with the progress of the Dignity in Dying Bill into committee stage, and during the conference we heard of significant progress being made on a number of interstate fronts. Even though the 'light at the end of the tunnel' appears dim at times, and the path is hilly, we know that we will eventually find success.

An important aim of this conference was to discuss strategies, including those of particular interest to the Voluntary Euthanasia Research Foundation, such as the 'peaceful pill', a voluntary euthanasia political party, a national voluntary euthanasia organisation, a humanist hospice and an Australian Caring Friends programme. (SAVES' response to these concepts is listed above.) There was widespread respect for the diversity of opinion. We would not have expected any less because we are all fighting for choice at the end of life. The atmosphere during the conference remained positive and encouraging and I found this to be an uplifting experience.

Throughout the conference, and I'm sure for many months beforehand, Philip and Tristan worked extremely hard to ensure that the programme ran smoothly. Philip spoke on a range of topics with his usual articulate and dynamic flair, and the conference was packed with a great deal of information, imparted with expertise. It was a delight to be part of this vibrant scene, and we sincerely thank Philip and Tristan for their mighty efforts.