THIS week in the Victorian Parliament we saw democracy at its very best.
The Voluntary Assisted Dying Amendment Bill prompted a marathon sitting on Tuesday evening that stretched long into the wee hours of the morning.
It wasn’t easy, and it certainly wasn’t quick, but it was the Westminster process working exactly as it should: representatives from every corner of our state, debating with respect, compassion and conviction on behalf of the people we serve.
Voluntary assisted dying is one of those issues that transcends politics. It speaks to something far more personal. The dignity of human life, and the mercy we hope for at its end.
No two stories are the same, and neither are the deeply held beliefs that shape our decisions.
The debate was raw, emotional and, at times, heartbreaking. Yet even in disagreement, there was grace. There was listening. There was courage.
Parliament doesn’t always look like this.
Too often, the headlines focus on the noise, the point-scoring, the walkouts, the shouting matches. But this week reminded us why we do it.
For the people and the moments that matter most.
Being a member of Parliament is a privilege, and one that comes with sacrifice.
We spend close to half the year away from home, missing birthdays, school assemblies, and the small, ordinary things that make life rich.
We work late into the night, or the morning from time to time, because every vote and every line of legislation deserves scrutiny.
Because what we do on Spring Street affects real people in Mildura and right across Victoria.
This week, we debated not just how people live, but how they die; with compassion, with choice, and with dignity. And in doing so, we saw Parliament rise above politics. That’s something worth remembering.
I want to thank all constituents, stakeholders, families and organisations who contacted me preceding debate of this Bill reform. You all helped shaped the debate and the resolutions.
You can find my Parliamentary contribution to this debate on my YouTube channel.
