The Upper House has voted to send the Voluntary Assisted Dying bill to a final reading. NSW is now a significant step closer to joining every other state in allowing end-of-life choice.

Just before 9pm on Wednesday 11 May, members of the NSW Legislative Council voted 20 to 17 in favour of moving the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 to further consideration.

It was a historic moment – a VAD Bill has never before passed a vote in both Houses of NSW Parliament.

Four supportive MLCs were absent from the Chamber, meaning the number of MPs in support is actually greater than the numbers above.

The Bill will now move to Committee Stage, known as ‘consideration in detail’. This gives MLCs an opportunity to table amendments, and is expected to take place on Wednesday 18 May.

[Source: Go Gentle Australia]