WA community's 'consistent and widespread' support for voluntary euthanasia

Releasing a discussion paper and framework for a bill to legalise voluntary assisted dying in the state, deputy premier Roger Cook said the WA community had shown "consistent and widespread" support for reform.

"This is an emotive and important issue and a discussion not only for health professionals, but for us all," he said.

"I encourage all Western Australians to take part in these consultations over the next few months to ensure that the legislation is based on the available evidence and reflects the needs of all people in our diverse state."

Public sessions will take place in April and May in Perth, Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Broome before legislation is introduced to State Parliament later this year.

The discussion paper released by the Ministerial Expert Panel on Voluntary Assisted Dying outlines key issues for the proposed legislation.

People unable to attend a consultation session can lodge written submissions for consideration.

Mr Cook said the purpose of the discussion paper and public consultations was to assist the development of fully informed and workable legislation - not to review or debate the arguments for or against voluntary assisted dying.

He was confident that the consultations, along with recommendations of the committee, "will result in well informed and workable legislation that includes strong safeguards for those people who wish to access voluntary assisted dying".

Welcoming the move, Go Gentle Australia said 88 per cent of Western Australians support a voluntary assisted dying law.

"It's essential they have their say on what the future law will contain," said the group's WA campaign manager Joey Armenti.

Dying with Dignity WA president Steve Walker, said his organisation had "every confidence" the Ministerial Expert Panel, chaired by Malcolm McCusker, was best placed to advise the state government in developing the legislation.

"The expert panel is comprised of leading health professionals, health consumers and legal experts," Mr Walker said.

"From our perspective, our main focus is to ensure the voice of over 80 per cent of Western Australians who support voluntary assisted dying is heard by the politicians who will be voting on this legislation."

Mr Walker said Dying with Dignity WA was also advocating for more funding for palliative care, more promotion of advance health directives and laws that protect doctors working in end-of-life care.

If enacted, WA would become only the second Australian state to pass an assisted dying law.

Read the WA discussion paper and information on consultation sessions HERE

Victoria passed its landmark Voluntary Assisted Dying law in 2017. It takes effect in June.

The Queensland government is holding an Inquiry into aged care, end-of-life and palliative care and voluntary assisted dying.

Voluntary euthanasia law reforms have failed in South Australia and NSW.

Voluntary assisted dying involves a process to access medication and to enable a person to legally choose the manner and timing of their death.