Act leader David Seymour is praising Winston Peters ahead of potentially major changes being made to his End of Life Choice Bill.
On Wednesday, the End of Life Choice Bill, which would legalise euthanasia for some patients suffering at the end of their lives, will face the whole house committee stage of the lawmaking process. This is where politicians can propose Supplementary Order Papers (SOP) containing potential amendments to the Bill.
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While Seymour says that passing some of the proposed amendments would make the euthanasia scheme "one of the most conservative assisted dying regimes in the world", he is willing to accept that to secure the support of other MPs and deliver choice to Kiwis.
The major changes contained in Seymour's SOP include restricting the Bill to only those with a terminal illness - judged by two doctors independent of each other - that is likely to end the individual's life within six months, and make it explicitly state that people can't be euthanised solely on the basis of disability or mental health.
"You can't keep everybody happy, but we have put through a series of proposed changes to the Bill to be made at this committee stage and I think if all goes to plan, those changes will be made by a majority and that will secure a continuing majority to pass the Bill through the third reading, where it becomes a law," Seymour told The AM Show on Wednesday morning.
"It's just part of the lawmaking process, you listen, you revise, you try again and I think with what we have got now, all going to plan, bear in mind we are dealing with 120 politicians here, but all going to plan, then we will see a law passed through that actually gives New Zealanders that choice that they've wanted."
Numerous other SOPs will be put forward by other MPs, mostly from the National Party.
Seymour's also praising New Zealand First leader Winston Peters for his assistance throughout the process. Seymour secured his party's cooperation by supporting Peters' call for a referendum on the law.
The option of a referendum will also be voted on at the committee stage, but Seymour says it is still possible for the Bill to pass a third reading without the referendum included - albeit with more difficulty.
"I've kept my word. [Peters] has kept his. If we work together and if other MPs also support the referendum idea, I think the Bill can pass relatively easy. If there is not a referendum added to the Bill in this committee stage, I think we can still get through all the way, but it will be a lot harder.
"It's a pity there is the extra complication, but if that is how we can actually deliver choice for those New Zealanders who want it and it is the overwhelming majority of New Zealanders, then I think it is a good deal".
Due to strong opposition to the Bill from some politicians, it's unclear when a third reading vote on the law will take place, as some MPs may want an extensive time to debate it.
But Seymour says the vote will come eventually and while the Bill received 70 votes in favour to 50 against in its second reading, he's not taking anything for granted.
National Party leader Simon Bridges told The AM Show on Wednesday morning, he won't be supporting the Bill.
"For me, I'm going to vote against a referendum because I think regardless of what your view on this is, Parliament shouldn't abdicate its responsibility.
"We shouldn't sort of duck from the hard issues and we should decide once and for all whether we have legal euthanasia in New Zealand or not."
Newshub.
