DEPUTY premier Paul Toole is waiting to read the bill before making up his mind about legalising voluntary assisted dying in NSW.
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Independent MP Alex Greenwich introduced the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill in parliament on Thursday.
The proposed law would allow terminally ill people to end their lives at a time and place of their choosing.
Mr Greenwich has said that, should the legislation pass, it would not be enacted for 18 months, allowing plenty of time to put the right policy settings in place.
Twenty-eight MPs from various political parties have already put their support behind the bill, but the deputy premier and member for Bathurst has not confirmed his position.
He said he wanted to "look at the details of the bill" before making a public statement on his position, acknowledging the sensitive nature of the issue.
"I think it's about making sure that, like any bill, you read it thoroughly, read it properly, understand what it means, understand what the outcomes might mean, but also what the consequences might mean," Mr Toole said.
"And I think this is a very sensitive bill that needs to be considered thoroughly in detail."
One thing he is certain of, however, is that the matter should "definitely" be handled by way of a conscience vote.
"I'm hoping this will be a conscience vote and it will be up to each and every single member to actually consider their position as to where they are going to vote on this important matter," he said.
"... I think conscience votes are always difficult, but I think sometimes they also bring out the best in the debate in the parliament so they can get some very constructive debates throughout the process."
The issue of assisted dying has generated a lot of discussion in NSW.
Mr Toole said there has been a lot of feedback received already, from people for it and against it, and he said he would consider the thoughts of people in the Bathurst electorate when determining his position.
"My community's say is also important in forming an opinion in what is the best pathway forward," he said.
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