Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

SCARR (—) (): I have some questions in relation to the compliance of Australia's obligations with the conventions dealing with the rights of people with disability. In the context of my second reading contribution to this debate I made reference to the fact that the special rapporteur with respect to the convention, the UN special rapporteur, has raised concern with respect to the Canadian legislation and, in particular, the fact that medically assisted dying can be used in situations in a Canadian context. I'll quote the provision so you will understand the concern I am raising. First, where a person has 'a grievous and irremediable medical condition,' and that is defined as including a person having a 'serious and incurable illness, disease or disability'. The concern which the United Nations special rapporteur has raised is that there are material concerns with respect to the Canadian regime actually complying with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. I seek advice from the minister with respect to what steps the Australian government has in place to make sure that, when the territory does adopt legislation, Australia does comply with its treaty obligations with respect to the rights of people with disabilities.