"The evident lack of public commentary on Aboriginal self-determination surrounding this bill concerns me, because it fails to recognise Aboriginal ideas on civil society or other concerns with its quality," he said. "Aboriginal peoples' unique conception of life and death, their holistic understanding of health, and their fundamentally collectivist nature is part of their concept of civil society. "These are matters only gradually being understood by health professionals in the field, or through sustained research. "The Western civil society has had an alleged need for this change to the sanctity of life. This sanctity of life understanding has much resonance with our perspectives and First Nations have respected it. "Now, with little education or explanation we are confused as to why a change is necessary."

Loading Senator Dodson blasted the state government's consultation with Aboriginal peoples. "Consultations with First Nations have not been conducted well," he said. "Stakeholder submissions were not made to an exposure draft of the bill; and too many assurances depend on the 18-month implementation phase. "On paper, the bill allows for clinicians to initiate a discussion about voluntary assisted dying – a measure specifically opposed by the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia – and clinicians who may discuss it by phone, email or telehealth may fall foul of the Commonwealth Criminal Code.

"For a bill that reimagines our approach to human existence, it is important that proper consideration is given to details and it is not rammed through Parliament with late-night sittings. There are many lives to be affected including the individual who makes a choice to end life." Consultations with First Nations have not been conducted well. Senator Pat Dodson Mr Wyatt said the decision on pursuing the legislation was ultimately one for the WA Government. "However, personally I am opposed to the legislation, and I strongly believe that all life is sacrosanct and should be protected," he told WAtoday in a written statement. "I trust that the WA Government has consulted with all communities and have ensured that vulnerable people and communities are protected."

In its submission to parliamentary inquiry into end-of-life policy, the Aboriginal Health Council of WA urged the government to conduct a "comprehensive education and information campaign ... to ensure that Aboriginal people and their communities understand the significance and potential impact of any potential legislation". Loading But a state government spokesman said WA Health would run an information campaign for the whole community, including Aboriginal people, if the bill passed through Parliament. He said an expert panel tasked with drafting the laws and WA Health consulted extensively, including consultation with Aboriginal health stakeholders and representatives. "The panel was aware that Aboriginal health services link with local and community services to facilitate cultural and spiritual support that is needed at end of life for people, their families and communities," the spokesman said.

"The bill reflects the panel's advice that it be underpinned by the principle that people are entitled to genuine choices regarding their treatment and care; this should be regardless of their geographic location and take into account their ability as well as individual cultural and linguistic needs." Kimberley Indigenous leader Anne Poelina said she thought some of the concerns raised by opponents of euthanasia which cast Aboriginal people as vulnerable and at risk from the proposed legislation were furphies used as wedge politics. "I think it's a bit of a distraction from the serious debate that we need in regards to this issue," she said. "At the end of the day its about values and ethics, but the most important thing I believe is free, prior and informed consent." Dr Poelina, who has extensive experience working in Aboriginal health and wellbeing, said death was a personal journey and people had a right to make decisions about their quality of life and death.

"A lot of Aboriginal people I know refer to it as a going down time, as the time when they're getting ready to pass away," she said. "Aboriginal people are struggling to live, let alone die, but in a situation where they do need assisted dying, then they need all of the information and they need to have their family around them to make these informed decisions, because it's not just about healthy living, it's about healthy dying." Dr Poelina said an amendment to the laws aimed at preventing doctors suggesting euthanasia to their patients could interfere with realistic conversations about their life and death choices. "Again, I think it's about free, prior and informed consent," she said. "I think it's up to the individual and if doctors are withholding knowledge that could allow someone to determine their quality of life, then they have an obligation to ensure that the information they impart does instil a sense of free, prior and informed consent."