State Labor urged to act on voluntary assisted dying

Annerley Labor has joined a campaign organised by the United Workers Union (UWU) to encourage the State Labor Government to act on its promise to introduce voluntary assisted dying laws early in its third term. The union has written to ALP branches highlighting the importance of the issue and encouraging rank and file members to urge action as soon as possible.

In response to the appeal from the UWU, the Annerley Branch adopted a resolution that called on the Premier, Annastasia Palaszczuk, to ‘urgently table legislation to legalise voluntary assisted dying, in line with the recommendations from the Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee report’. The resolution has since been conveyed to the Premier and re-inforces a decision by the last state ALP conference to support the introduction of enabling legislation.

During the recent 2020 state election, Premier Annastacia Palaszcuk promised to introduce a bill as early as February 2021. During the public consultation phase on the issue, there was widespread community support for the laws to be introduced in the state.

The Queensland Parliament resumes on 23 February 2021.

Christmas hamper appeal a big success

Branch members have rallied around their annual Christmas hamper appeal to show support for local people and families doing it tough this year. Each December, the Annerley Branch organises a collection of food items to donate to Micah Projects, which in turn distributes hundreds of hampers to people in need.

However, the big difference this year was the hand over of a cheque for $850 to Micah Projects, in addition to the large collection of food. The funds were donated by branch members in recognition of the difficult year that many had faced due to the pandemic.

On hand to help out was Terri Butler MP, Federal Member for Griffith who handed the cheque to Andy from Micah Projects, (pictured). Andy expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this years donation, commenting that it would certainly be helpful. The $850 will assist in buying fresh food that will be delivered by volunteers during the busy festive season.

Micah Projects is a not for profit community organisation that supports thousands of people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, poverty and social isolation. For more information visit micahprojects.org.au