*To change the law would be to show reckless indifference to those in our community who, for whatever reason, are vulnerable to coercion and abuse.*

Nonsense. To change the law to a similar one that exists in
Switzerland, would give comfort to thousands upon thousands of
oldies in our community, who want some say and control about what
happens to them. Right now the law is forcing them to become
criminals by tripping to Mexico, as the religious enforce their
dogma on the rest of us. Lets have a referendum on this one, given
that 80% of Australians think that the law should be changed.

Thanks Paul for an excellent article pointing out the truths the death industry just don't want to hear.

Comfort to the thousands of oldies Yabby? Do you mean our elderly who are already often made to feel they are a burden on their families and the taxpayer? The laws in Switzerland have been a slippery slope to others determining what a person might want as opposed to really ascertaining the wishes of an individual. To suggest our sick or elderly should seek suicide or assisted suicide as a 'right' is supporting the already oft felt need that others do not wish to care for them. It is not the easier solution for them, it is the easier solution for those who don't wish to expend a little effort in improving the quality of life for those who are suffering.

Let the ruling class 'compassionately assist'(ha!) in the deaths of the little people. Great idea government, what could go wrong?!

DebbiG, you clearly don't know much about how Exit Switzerland
operates. Perhaps you should inform yourself. Here is a good
start:

http://www.exit-geneve.ch/Exempleoas.pdf

Even Martin doesen't get it, for of course the Swiss Govt
is as such not involved.

Perhaps its just beyond your ability to empathise with those
who decide not to struggle and gasp until their last breathe.
Suffer for Jesus if you want to, but don't force that dogma
onto people like myself.

No person in Switzerland commits suicide against their own
free will and suicide in Australia is not illegal. Some people
simply want choice in these matters and not be dicated to, by
the rest of you. You should have the humility and compassion
to respect their wishes.

Is a referendum too much to hope for?
Unfortunately, I fear it is. And that is one of many not-good looks in this debate.
Eventually our pollies will be forced to address the issue, but perhaps not until we oldies reach a bigger critical mass. Only then will the powers that be realise that left unaddressed the cost of ageing will simply swamp the health budget.
Then we will all learn if it really is 80% in favor. I know I'll be voting for it, if it's held in my time.
But safeguards are safeguards, and another of the not-good looks is when a person assisting another to commit suicide is the sole beneficiary of that other person's will.
So not a good look, I'm surprised the people mentioned in the article tried it on.
Un-good.