In June 2010 we announced that we would be working together to prepare a Private Member’s Bill to allow for voluntary assisted dying for terminally ill Tasmanians. We did so at that time because we believed that there was a compelling case for law reform in this area. As we demonstrate through this Consultation Paper, the case for legalising a form of voluntary assisted dying has continued to strengthen since our announcement to develop a new Bill, and we have good reason to believe that the case in support of law reform will only continue to grow. As legislators we believe that the law in this area has not kept up with changes in medical practice, social values or the views of the vast majority of the community. It is time for change. We believe it is important and necessary for the Parliament to enact legislation that fully demonstrates the compassion we all feel for people who are suffering in extremely difficult circumstances at the end of their lives. We know of too many terrib...