Yesterday the Victorian Parliament voted down 16/19 a motion by MP Colleen Hartland to call on the Victorian Attorney General, Robert Clark, to refer the matter of aid-in-dying law reform to the Victorian Law Reform Commission for full community consultation.

Repeated social research shows enduring and high support for law reform to allow a doctor to assist a patient to hasten their death in a peaceful manner, in restricted circumstandes.   Support is high regardless of which organisation commissions the poll, or precisely what words are used.

Melbourne lawyer speaks out..."I want the right to die with dignity."

Alan Rosendorff is a 58-year-old lawyer living in Melbourne with his wife and two dogs.

Until recently, he led an active and healthy life, ran his own legal practice, travelled regularly, rode his beloved scooter and pursued a range of social justice issues including voluntary euthanasia law reform. Just a few weeks ago, he became a grandfather.

This conversation was broadcast on ABC Radio National Background Briefing on 12th June 2011.

We should be able to choose the way we die by writing an advanced care directive, or appointing someone to make our medical decisions when we can't. But there's legal arguments, confusion and arrogance in the way of us going gentle into that good night. Make your wishes clear, tell someone about them, and do it while you're competent.
Reporter Di Martin