TWO of Queensland’s small parties could prevent euthanasia becoming law if a minority government is voted in at the coming state election on October 31.
Both One Nation and Katter’s Australian Party say they won’t join moves to legalise voluntary assisted dying for the terminally ill (VAD), because it would distract from the bigger issues of dealing with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and restoring an ailing economy.
The Labor Government has ordered the Queensland Law Reform Commission to prepare draft VAD legislation that is expected to be ready by early next year.
But the latest Newspoll predicts a hung parliament after election day, with a narrow Liberal National Party win over Labor, 51-49 on a two-party preferred basis.
Both the LNP and Labor would struggle to win nine additional seats to form majority government in the 93-seat state parliament.
KAP’s Robbie Katter, who leads a party with just three seats told The Australian he is against euthanasia law reform and his party would not support it being prioritised after the election.
Similarly, One Nation does not support a VAD law.
The party holds only one state seat but is hopeful of boosting its overall standing after October 31.
Labor has said it will put a VAD bill to a conscience vote in parliament.
The LNP will allow its MPs a conscience vote, but it is not clear whether leader, Deb Frecklington would push VAD laws if she wins power.
LNP policy remains opposed to voluntary euthanasia.
