The long battle to legalise euthanasia in Western Australia may soon be won, with the McGowan Government announcing it will introduce a bill to State Parliament next year.

The decision comes after a joint committee of Parliament recommended legislation to support new laws, arguing that protracted death from a terminal, chronic or neurological condition was devastating and unnecessary.

Labor members will be offered a conscience vote on the bill which will be drafted in consultation with a panel of experts, it was announced today.

The 11 member panel, to be chaired by former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker, will provide advice about a “safe and compassionate framework for voluntary assisted dying”.

In a written statement, Health Minister Roger Cook said the Government remained committed to ensuring Western Australians had access to to high-quality palliative care.

“The introduction of a voluntary assisted dying Bill will provide those individuals who are experiencing grievous and irremediable suffering associated with advanced and progressive terminal conditions with an additional choice.”

Mr Cook said the expert panel would look at laws based on terminally ill patients.

“Introducing this legislation is a complex and challenging task for the McGowan Government,” he said.

“The expert panel, led by Malcolm McCusker QC, is essential for framing the legislation to best suit and safely serve the needs of the Western Australian community. I thank all the panel members for agreeing to assist with developing this important body of work.”