JULIA Gillard says a conscience vote is likely for Labor MPs if the Greens push ahead with their plan to demand a debate on euthanasia.
Greens leader Bob Brown signalled his intention yesterday to kick-start a new debate on laws that prohibit the Northern Territory and the ACT from legalising euthanasia.
If successful, his push would not legalise the practice, but would reinstate the power of the territories to legislate on the issue.
Under the new agreement between the Gillard government and the Greens, the party has greater powers to demand debate on private members' bills, and weekly meetings with the Prime Minister when parliament is sitting.
"The Prime Minister is happy to discuss Senator Brown's proposal in their regular meetings," a spokeswoman for Ms Gillard said last night.
"The Labor Party has previously allowed MPs to express their views on this issue with a conscience vote, and if as a result of these discussions, a conscience vote is called for, there is no reason why MPs would not be afforded this opportunity again".
The Australian
