The ACT has joined forces with the Northern Territory to prioritise the removal of the Andrew's Bill that prevents the two territories from considering voluntary euthanasia reforms.
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ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner signed a memorandum of understanding, the ACT-NT Strategic Collaboration Agreement, earlier this week to "draw upon shared attributes and combined strengths" to "promote mutual interests by maintaining a forward and progressive outlook".
Mr Barr said the agreement would prioritise the territories' decision-making power on euthanasia.
"With the Victorian government now moving to implement voluntary euthanasia laws, the situation where the Australian territories aren't able to even consider our own reforms is absurd," Mr Barr said.
"The territories are unique, and joining forces will combine our strengths as self-governing territories."
The Andrews Bill prevents territories deciding their own fate on euthanasia. It was introduced after the Northern Territory legalised euthanasia in 1995, allowing terminally ill patients to die with medical assistance. The federal interference put an end to the NT's landmark decision.
Momentum has been building for some time in the nation's capital and the NT to allow the self-governing territories to take back the right to decide for their citizens.
In November last year ACT Labor and Greens politicians were in talks with their federal counterparts about launching a cross-party bid to scrap the 20-year-old law.
However the Canberra Liberals have said the party would not lobby to overturn the bill and that voluntary euthanasia was a conscience issue for them.
Following the Victorian government's historic decision to legalise euthanasia, set to come into effect in 2019, a new standard has been set. The Victorian legislation will allow euthanasia for terminally ill people in pain and with less than six months to live. The timeframe is extended to 12 months for people with neurodegenerative diseases like Motor Neurone.
The memorandum of understanding between the territories outlines a collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship to progress initiatives "that support economic development and sustainable growth including but not limited to innovation, renewable energy, smart city and digital technologies and shared expertise".
The agreement will also help to progress Canberra's space dreams as the sector in the capital leads the charge.
"There will also be increased opportunities to advance our activity in space-related sectors, under the trilateral Memorandum of Understanding between the ACT, NT and South Australia," Mr Barr said.
