Statement from Robbie Katter MLA regarding proposed Euthanasia Legislation

I am opposed to euthanasia law reform in Queensland.

While myself, and my Katter’s Australian Party colleagues plan to review the Queensland Law Reform Commission’s report into the subject as well as the legislation that will be introduced today, it is highly likely we will be voting against it based on principle.

I am of the belief that creating and preserving life is, and should remain, the most primary endeavour of our society and our governments should reflect this. 

Leader of Katters Australian Party Robbie Katter does not support euthanasia or abortion laws

It was a dark day in Parliament for all three state KAP MPs when Labor’s limitless abortion laws passed in 2018, and those celebrating in the House caused us even more concern. 

While I understand there is great complexity and emotion around issues of life and death, we do not believe the legalisation of suicide (even with the strictest of conditions) is the answer.

The need for a better focus on and improved funding for palliative care services for all Queenslanders through a purpose-built palliative care system has been overlooked as part of the debate around end-of-life.

Palliative Care Queensland, the peak body representing the sector, has decried that current funding arrangements equate to only about 1 per cent of the overall State health budget.

This is grossly inadequate to meet the care needs of dying Queenslanders and their loved ones.

They have requested an additional investment of $275 million per year – around $53 per person – to directly improve the quality of life for terminally-ill Queenslanders of all ages.[1]

Further, in a state with a myriad problems that are as fundamental as access to critical health services like dialysis, CT scanners and mental health support for rural and regional patients, I find it perverse that we are having this debate as those issues continue to fester.

Death will come to us all and it is never easy, but all Queenslanders, including First Australians who overwhelmingly abhor the idea of legalising euthanasia, deserve far better than this.

[1] https://palliativecareqld.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/PCQ-QLD-Requirements-for-New-Investment-to-Transform-Care_Nov-2020-1.pdf