South Australia

Nitschke in headlines again

Paul Russell | 27 September 2011

For some time now, Philip Nitschke has been claiming that he had ‘discovered’ a ‘loophole’ in the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s procedures and protocols that would allow him to import the drug Nembutal into Australia.

Analysing South Australia’s muddled euthanasia bill

Paul Russell | 02 August 2011

But before we look at the legislation itself, just think for a minute: if the bill isn’t about euthanasia, why is Phillip Nitschke in Adelaide so often? Why is he saying that he’ll set up a death clinic?

South Australian euthanasia bill has a competitor

Paul Russell | 13 May 2011

Last week’s headline in the South Australian Advertiser: “Bill to allow euthenasia (sic) in limited circumstances” looks likely to fail in Parliament was a welcome, if not entirely true, statement. The bill in question, Steph Key’s Criminal Law Consolidation (Medical Defences—End Of Life Arrangements) Amendment Bill, has indeed taken some heavy blows of late. I’ve reported before of the doctor’s group publicly opposing the bill and the Law Society expressing their reservations. Into the mix Dr. Nitschke’s interventions seem to have played against the bill and the rushed second reading vote (later rescinded) must surely have added to MPs’ reservations.

Senior doctors slam South Australia’s euthanasia bill

Michael Cook | 06 April 2011

A number of senior doctors from around Australia severely criticised South Australia’s proposed euthanasia legislation today, describing it as a dangerous bill which will place vulnerable patients at risk. In a letter to SA’s parliamentarians, Doctors Opposed to Euthanasia argue that elderly people would be pressured into dying and that the bill would inevitably lead to involuntary euthanasia.

Reasons to thank Philip Nitschke

Paul Russell | 04 April 2011

I never thought I’d be giving a bouquet to ‘doctor death’. After all, there’s nothing that he has said or done in the public eye that I find the least bit agreeable (except, perhaps, the recent picture of his visit with his mother).

Video wrap-up of Australia’s debate

Michael Cook | 02 April 2011

This short feature from Australia's ABC is a good broad-brush sketch of the issues and personalities in the local euthanasia debate.

South Australia: “legislative fatigue” sets in

Michael Cook | 30 March 2011

The South Australian parliament is once again preparing to vote on euthanasia. But this time – the third in two years – there have been allegations of sly manoeuvring to push the bill through.

Nitschke plans suicide clinic for Adelaide

Michael Cook | 29 March 2011

The prospect of opening a suicide clinic in his home town of Adelaide has brought out the hidden human side of euthanasia activist Dr Philip Nitschke. Today’s Australian featured a tender picture of Dr Nitschke holding the hands of his 90-year-old mother Gweneth Nitschke. She is a fan of his project to open up a clinic where people can access information and equipment about how to kill themselves.

South Australian MP seeks abortion on demand

Paul Russell | 16 March 2011

On the 10th of March, backbencher Steph Key MP introduced a new style of euthanasia and assisted suicide bill not seen before in South Australia. It is much like the draft bill circulated by the Health Minister at the time of the debate on the Parnell bill late last year.

Plans for Australian euthanasia clinics

Michael Cook | 07 March 2011

Although the passage of euthanasia laws in the Australian states of South Australia and Tasmanis is far from certain, activist Dr Philip Nitschke is already making plans. He wants to set up a euthanasia clinic in Adelaide or Hobart as soon as it is legalised.

Euthanasia bill defeated in South Australia

Michael Cook | 25 November 2010

A bill to legalise voluntary euthanasia in South Australia was rejected by the Upper House on Wednesday evening (Nov 24). After a long debate, the private member’s bill was defeated on the voices.

A dying bioethicist warns of the peril of euthanasia

Michael Cook | 23 November 2010

Melbourne bioethicist Nicholas Tonti-Filippini is dying and in pain. He has written a letter to the Premier of South Australia, Mike Rann, urging him not to support Voluntary Euthanasia Bill 2010. This is one of the most eloquent and cogent expressions of the argument against euthanasia that I have ever read. Here are a few paragraphs.