In Andrew Denton’s Better Off Dead podcast series, ex Prime Minister Bob Hawke, 86, voiced his opinion to call for voluntary euthanasia to be legalised.
I think it is absurd that euthanasia is not legal within this country.
It doesn’t meet any requirements of morality or good sense.
“I am more than happy for my name to be associated with a clear statement of belief that the time has come where we in Australia should have clear legislation on our books that makes euthanasia legal,” he said.
Bob Hawke has already discussed his end-of-life wishes with wife Blanche D’Alpuget. Hawke said he would rather be able to make the decision now, while he is still mentally able, rather than when it is too late.
Hawke is part of the majority of Australians, 70 per cent of whom support the introduction of assisted dying laws – only 12 per cent of people polled were completely opposed, according to a 2012 poll.
Andrew Denton’s Better Off Dead podcast series
#17 Why Do I Have to Go Through Hell to Get to Heaven?
An episode of Better Off Dead
Published on 13 Apr 2016
Resources
- ‘Absurd’: Bob Hawke blasts lack of political will to legalise euthanasia – smh.com.au
- Bob Hawke on voluntary euthanasia and ‘losing his marbles’ – abc.net.au
- Bob Hawke fights for euthanasia legalisation in Australia – oversixty.com.au
- BOB HAWKE CALLS FOR LEGAL EUTHANASIA – pedestrian.tv
- Bob Hawke backs push to legalise euthanasia – theaustralian.com.au
- Bob Hawke calls for euthanasia to be made legal in Australia – theguardian.com
- Bob Hawke calls for euthanasia to be made legal in Australia – dwdnsw.org.au