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Supplementary Order Paper No 339

No 339

House of Representatives

Supplementary Order Paper

Tuesday, 10 September 2019

End of Life Choice Bill

Proposed amendment

Simon O’Connor, in Committee, to move the following amendment:

Clause 20

After clause 20(1) (page 14, after line 14), insert:

(1A)

The term of each appointment to the Review Committee is limited to 2 years, and members may serve a maximum of 2 terms of appointment.

Explanatory note

This Supplementary Order Paper amends the End of Life Choice Bill by limiting the time period for which a member of the Review Committee can serve.

It would be unhealthy for any given individual to remain appointed to this statutory body indefinitely or for an excessive period of time. Institutions should not be subject to the threat of capture by a small number of individual persons.

These points are particularly applicable given that the legislation specifies no manner in which members of the Review Committee can be removed in a situation such as unsuitable conduct, personal ill health, or other diminished capacity.