CLP backbenchers push to soften voluntary assisted dying bill before conscience vote

A group of Country Liberal Party backbenchers is seeking to amend the Northern Territory's Rights of the Terminally Ill bill ahead of a conscience vote. Tanzil Rahman and Laurie Zio have each put forward changes that would eliminate the 12-month end-of-life prognosis requirement and scrap the clause preventing health professionals from initiating conversations about voluntary assisted dying, provided they also discuss palliative options.

Fellow members Clinton Howe and Brian O'Gallagher are also expected to move amendments. Party branches in North Darwin and Trower have written to Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro urging the removal of those provisions, while some MLAs, such as Matthew Kerle, have voiced support for the reforms and others, like Andrew Mackay, argue the gag clause safeguards patient-led decisions. Opposition and cross-bench members have signaled openness to any changes that make the bill less restrictive. The final outcome will depend on whether at least five more CLP members or the Speaker join the amendment supporters, as the vote approaches next week.