ACT leader David Seymour is hoping the state of Victoria passing an assisted dying bill is a good sign for New Zealand.
The Australian state's Upper House has voted in favour of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill, a critical step towards legalising it in the state.
It passed 22-18, and will now be debated in a committee stage before the final vote later this month, reports The Australian.
Mr Seymour says it's similar to his End of Life Choice Bill, which is yet to have its first reading before Parliament. He told Newshub it's more likely to pass now than it was prior to the election.
"We've had an infusion of newer and more liberal Members of Parliament elected, and that makes it more likely that the Bill will pass on a conscience vote."
The Bill is expected to be a conscience vote within the next six months.
"When 75 percent of the New Zealand public are in favour, frankly you'd have to be a pretty aloof politician to ignore that and vote against assisted dying being legalised."
Despite public support, the Bill has proved controversial amongst MPs. National MP Simon O'Connor accused supporters - specifically now-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern - of being "happy to encourage the suicide of the elderly, disabled, and sick".
A Maori Party candidate in September said the Bill was a "rejection of the importance and value of human life".
Two previous euthanasia Bills have come before Parliament without success.
Newshub.
