Victoria's assisted dying bill passes first Upper House test

Victoria's contentious Voluntary Assisted Dying bill has passed its first major test in the state's Upper House. 

A second reading of the bill passed this afternoon 22-18, after MPs were given a conscience vote.

It follows a emotion-charged two day debate in the Legislative Council that at times had many members in tears.

The bill would give Victorians suffering a terminal illness the right to medically assisted suicide.

This morning key Liberal MP Simon Ramsay announced he would support the bill, if it was amended to reduce the eligible life expectancy from 12 months to six, with an exemption for patients with Motor Neurone Disease.

The bill will now progress to what's known as the committee stage, where it will be debated clause by clause.

Liberal MP Bernie Finn, who opposes the legislation, told 9News the process could take weeks, or even months.

"It will be very, very long", he said.

If changes are made to the bill, it will need to be ratified by the lower house, before becoming law.