Long walk calling for right-to-die laws
Belinda Teh is carrying a white rose in tribute to her late mother on a lengthy walk from Melbourne to Perth, calling for voluntary assisted dying laws in her home state of WA.
The 27-year-old on Tuesday set off from Melbourne where she was farewelled by Premier Daniel Andrews whose Labor government has already passed laws allowing for voluntary euthanasia, due to start on June 19.
"My beautiful mum Mareia experienced a horrific death which modern medicine and caring specialists could not save her from and I don't want her suffering to be in vain," Ms Teh said.
"My mum's amazing medical team provided her with the best that palliative care could offer. But there was a point where even optimal palliative care could not relieve the pain and suffering that she was experiencing."
The WA parliament is due to take a vote on voluntary assisted dying later this year.
"I want to send a message of urgency to Western Australia's politicians that people desperately need this law reform, and I know that because one of those people was my mum," Ms Teh said.
The three million step trek is due to take 70 days and visit dozens of towns and cities along the way.
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