Displaying items by tag: Tasmania

Authorities plan to euthanise around ninety false killer whales after a mass stranding on a remote Tasmanian beach. A total of 157 whales beached near Arthur River; many died soon  afterwards. Rescuers attempted to refloat two survivors, but rough conditions and strong currents prevented their return to the ocean. False killer whales, one of the world's largest dolphin species, have not stranded in Tasmania for over fifty years. The extremely difficult terrain and treacherous conditions made large-scale rescue efforts impossible, leading to the heartbreaking decision to euthanise the remaining survivors. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrific, with stranded whales calling out for help. Authorities are now considering how to dispose of the carcasses, respecting the cultural heritage of the site. Experts believe that whales can become disoriented while hunting fish or following a leader into shallow waters. Over 80% of Australian whale strandings occur in Tasmania.

A key member of the ‘independent and objective’ panel advising Tasmanian MPs on Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) has a long history of strong advocacy for the reform, prompting concerns about bias. University professor Margaret Otlowski is one of four review panel members whose expert report will help shape the state’s final voluntary assisted dying law, which is set to pass parliament in March. The panel was requested by Premier Peter Gutwein, a declared supporter of the bill, to provide independent and objective advice to MPs ahead of the vote. This advice is to include a comparison with legislation in other jurisdictions, an objective analysis of safeguards, the interrelationship between VAD and palliative care, and stakeholder feedback. Opponents of the bill have said they are concerned that the professor, as the key legal expert on the panel, has been a consistent and firm supporter of VAD.