Post-Cab Presser on Voluntary Euthanasia & Housing WOFs

Post-Cab Presser on Voluntary Euthanasia & Housing WOFs

In a post-cabinet press conference today in Wellington, Prime Minister John Key answered questions on voluntary euthanasia, housing warrants of fitness and medicinal marijuana.

Key said the government’s starting position on euthanasia is that assisted dying is a “conscience issue” that is a matter for each individual.

When asked if he would support a bill for assisted death, Key said, “I have in the past”.

However, there will be no government-sponsored bill because it is a conscience issue and the process needs to reflect that.

There is a petition to take Justice Collins’ decision to the Select Committee.

“The government is open to that course of action, if the Select Committee sees it fit,” Key said.

“Lecretia Seales has certainly succeeded in sparking a debate on this issue.

“I personally have a lot of sympathy for Lecretia’s family.”

Key was also questioned on whether New Zealand should implement a WOF scheme for houses.

“I think the concept of a WOF is one of those things that sounds really good when you talk about it, but as soon as you start delving into it, it becomes a bit challenging.”

Key said the government was unlikely to implement a WOF scheme for houses as it would be too difficult to administer, and would take a lot of resources

“I would just caution that if we ultimately went to a really rigid WOF, I think we would see more cost on landlords, some of that would be warranted but some of that, without question, would be passed on.
And some of the advice we’ve seen is not on that rents rise, but it’s likely that some landlords would pull out of the market.”

When asked if he would support a member’s bill for a select committee inquiry into greater access to medicinal marijuana, Key said, “probably not”.

Key said he had not seen any advice that we should be taking a “broader view” on the use of medicinal marijuana.

“The advice I have received is that there are plenty of other alternatives [to medicinal marijuana].

“That doesn’t mean it can’t happen but it is not something that I am actively looking to progress.”

Key said that as far as he was aware, the Minister had not received a recommendation for CBD oil for the Renton family.

“There is no guarantee that even if they were given this medical marijuana product, that it would actually achieve better outcomes for their son.

“There is no guarantee that it would actually work.

“My understanding is that the clinicians have not filed an application to the minister yet.”

Audio Here:

Video here:

ENDS

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