13 Nov 2017 Wangaratta Chronicle, Wangaratta VIC (General News) I CONGRATULATE Jaclyn Symes for her humanity and responsiveness to her constituents by supporting the yes vote for the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill (Chronicle November 6). Jaclyns closing statement in this article that in circumstances of dying in prolonged and excruciating pain, it would be of comfort to be able to consider the options afforded by the Bill, and that she would not deny this right to others reflects the type of kindness and compassion that we as a society should aspire to. I have written to Tim McCurdy (MLA, Ovens Valley) on two separate occasions requesting that he clarify his reasons for voting no when the vote was taken in the Lower House. In an October 20 article in The Chronicle, he is quoted as saying he voted no because he had a number of concerns. He has invited me to a one-to-one meeting to discuss this. I do not feel this is appropriate. The community deserves more information. Given that the Bill, if amended, must be revoted on in the Lower House, and soon, Mr McCurdy (our government representative in the Victorian Lower House) should tell us all how he will vote the second time, and in the interests of transparency and true representation, engage in open discussion about this important issue. If he still has concerns, let him be clear in his explanation of what those concerns are. Jill Lindquist, Wangaratta Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.