Justice Committee to hear from people across the country on End of Life Choice Bill

The Justice Committee has heard from many national organisations on the End of Life Choice Bill and is now ready to hear from everyone who asked to be heard on the bill. Due to the unprecedented interest in this important and complex matter, Justice sub-committees will travel to more than a dozen centres across New Zealand.

“The committee has received over 35,000 submissions and public interest is naturally high in this bill. I am heartened that so many people have taken the time to write and express their view. Around ten percent of submitters indicated that they also want to talk to us. It is for these reasons we have decided to travel to different parts of New Zealand to hear from people,” says Committee Chairperson Raymond Huo.

“The committee will form subcommittees to enable it to travel the country and hear from as many people as possible in person, over the coming weeks.”

“The proposed amendments this bill seeks to make to the Crimes Act to allow euthanasia and assisted suicide are such fundamental changes to our law that a record number of New Zealanders have been motivated to write to Parliament and asked to be heard. We are committed to respectfully hearing all submitters and in an effort to be as transparent, inclusive, and accessible as possible we invite the public to join us, as well as all MPs, to ensure they are aware of the issues before they exercise their conscience vote early next year,” says Committee Deputy Chairperson, Hon Maggie Barry.

Committee staff are publishing submissions, beginning with those from organisations and then individuals. These will appear on the Justice Committee’s page as they are processed.

Committee staff will be in touch with individuals and organisations who made submissions and asked to be heard, to assist them with times and venues.

The list of hearings is on the Parliament website and specific times and venues will be added as they are scheduled. The schedule will also be promoted to the public through Facebook and Twitter.

Hearings are open to the public and media and, where possible, livestreamed to the committee’s Facebook page.
ENDS

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