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Is synthetic happiness all we need

By admin|苏州桑拿会所

I am currently in the process of changing my future, but then again, aren’t we all?

Any given moment, we are different to how we were the moment before, and the moment after, and we delude ourselves when we believe in permanence.

Facing a bigger change than the usual moment to moment scenario, I find myself imagining two futures. As is the habit of humans, there is a happy version and of course a miserable version where everything has gone wrong. Each is the extreme of the other.

Humans have evolved to have a fairly functional frontal lobe and in particular prefrontal cortex that enables me to imagine both futures clearly.

I can almost feel the joy and also the alternative distress. Psychologist Dan Gilbert in his book Stumbling on Happinesspoints out that not only can we imagine so well, we also have a tendency to overestimate the impact of each future upon us, and in particular, our happiness. We think if we win lotto we will be overwhelmingly happy and if we have a bad accident we will be overwhelmingly sad.

We also believe in two types of happiness – a natural happiness that comes from getting what we want, and what Gilbert calls synthetic happiness, that comes from what we tell ourselves and what we make when we don’t get what we want. We tend to believe that we need to find happiness (by buying something, for example) rather than synthesis happiness for ourselves.

Gilbert’s tenant is that synthetic happiness, or what we create ourselves regardless of getting what we want, is as real and as enduring as the happiness that comes from getting what we want, and he cites lots of evidence to support this idea.

Gilbert says, of course, having a preferred future is useful to guide our actions, but when we overestimate the impact of each future upon us, it can cause our behaviour to become frantic and perhaps we become reckless. He said, “When our fears are bounded, we’re prudent, we’re cautious, we’re thoughtful. When our fears are unfounded and overblown, we’re reckless, and we’re cowardly”.

Gilbert tells us, “our longings and our worries are both to some degree overblown, because we have within us the capacity to manufacture the very commodity we are constantly chasing when we choose experience”.

Perhaps it will be ok, whichever way it turns out for all of us.

I guess that’s up to us.

Tarnya Davis is a clinical psychologist and principal of NewPsych Psychologists.

Red Carpet Youth Award nominees

By admin|苏州桑拿会所

KICKING GOALS: Alyssa Kupa, Zach Pearce and Jayden Murphy. Pictures: MARK JESSER They are shouldering care for a sick parent, tripping the light fantastic on stage and kicking goals for people with disabilities … SOPHIE BOYD meets the incredible teens nominated for Wodonga’s youth awards.

A “normal” day for Jayden Murphy is not what you might expect for a typical teenager.

He was just 16 when he became a full-time carer for his father, who hassevere arthritis, post-traumatic stress disorder and has had surgery to remove brain tumors.

Then, just a few months later, Jayden was dealt another heart-breaking blow with the suddendeath of his mother.

Jayden, 17,is one of about 30 young people nominated for Wodonga council’sannualRedCarpet Youth Awards.

Now in itsninth year, the awards will take place on July 28, where winners of the nine categorieswill be announced in front of about 200 people.

Jayden is excited about the gala awards nightbut says it is tough to see yourself as eligible for theYoung Carer and Endurance and Persistence awards.

“I don’t think I deserve to be awarded or rewarded for things I’ve gone through;lots of people go through things, everyone handles it differently,” he says.

Being a young carer for his father, Mark, obviously has its challenges.

There are many rewarding moments.But it has its limits.

“Ican’t go out and do things as much as I’d like but it’s worth it,” Jayden says.

“It helps Dad and he needs that.”

As a carer Jayden takes care of the cooking, cleaningand household shopping, while also helping his father up and down stairs.

Although he shoulders a lot more responsibility than most teenagers, Jayden doesn’t feel very different to his peers.

Jayden Murphy, 17.Dancing through the painSTANDING among the countless dancing awards of fellow nominee Alyssa Kupa is a special kind of souvenir that’s testament to her resilience.

There on her bedroom shelf sits a fragment of ankle bone that speaks of her determinationmore than any trophy could.

At 16, Alyssa –whose mother Sandy calls her “medical child”–has already suffered seven broken ankles, countless sprains and numerous torn ligaments.

Mrs Kupa saysAlyssa has endured a host ofmedical issues, from kidney to heart problems.

Despite everything, she says Alyssa remains grittily determined.

She’s training four times a week, dancing in competitions and volunteering to teach younger dancers atBorder Danceworks.

Sandy Kupa, Alyssa’s mother.A voice for the voicelessFROM kicking up their heels on stage to kicking goals on the field comes fellow nominee Zachary Pearce.

The 18-year-oldis a “legend” on the football field as an umpire in local AFL matches andhead of the Wodonga Bulldogs Jets all abilities football team.

Zach, who has a mild intellectualdisability,has been nominated for an Advocacy and Action Youth Award for his promotion of people with disabilities.

Zach Pearce, 18.

A post on Zach’s Facebook page stating children with disabilities just wanted what everyone else did – to be accepted – reached more than 25,000 people.

He believesit isa very important message and hopes to continue to broadcast his sentiments on the issue.

“It’s good to have a platform through the awards and to get out there more,” he says.

Zach isn’t just talking the talkwhen advocating that people with disabilities can do anything.

He proves it every weekend on the oval.

He’sa familiar face atlocal football matches, having previously completed some work experience for the organisation.

Zach says officials were supportive when he first approached them to becomean umpire.

And there’s nothing better than being out on the ground as a boundary umpire.

“I like that I get to be involved in the game and I’ve certainly made a lot of new friends,” he says.

“It also keeps me fit –I really enjoy it.”

Across nine youth awardcategories, 92 young people were nominated, with 30 selected as finalists.

The awardsfeatureyoung peoplemaking a difference, excelling in their chosen field or putting others first.

Thecategories include: the Individual Community Service Award;Sport and Recreation Volunteer Award;Young Carer Award; Apprenticeship/Traineeship Award;Endurance/Persistence Award;Advocacy and Action Award;Music and Performing Arts Award;Visual Arts and Media Award; and Youth Ambassador Award.

The awards areorganised and run by a committee of seven young people from local high schools, with the support of Wodonga Council’s youth services and events officers.

Border Mail

Central Hunter branch of NSW Police Association cry out for more police

By admin|苏州桑拿会所

Central Hunter police are becoming increasinglyfrustrated with the lack of resources they have todo their jobs properly, according to the police union rep.

NSW Police Association Maitland branch chairman Mitch Dubojski said there were not enough police officers in the commandto effectively serve the community.

He said local police lived in the area and werepassionate about helping the community, but the shortage of staff meant they couldn’t provide the level of service the community deserved.

“They have a strong desire to serve the community,” he said.“But they’re frustrated in what they can produce.

“When there’s a call to service, they’vegotto prioritise those calls.”

Mr Dubojskisaidpolice numbers had not increased to cope with the rapidgrowth of the local population.

Census data showed Maitland’s population increased by almost 10,000 people between 2011 and 2016. But Mr Dubojski said those numbersdid not truly reflect the area’s boom.

“You look at the estates, areas like Aberglasslyn, Windella and estates out at Cessnock,the growth iswell above that [Census] figure,” Mr Dubojski said.“But our police capacity hasn’t increased.”

Mr Dubojski said the command’s operational strength had not changed since 2008when the Lower Hunter command split into Central Hunter and Port Stephens.

He said an increase in police numbers would result in quicker responsetimes.

More and more time istaken up on complex issues such asdomestic violence, Mr Dubojski said.

He said each domestic violence incident was unique and brought additional challenges such as the involvement of children,property damage and mental health issues.

Officersalso have legislative requirements to recordincidents, whichMr Dubojski saidtooktime to prepare for.

“[One incident] can easily be a number of hours,” he said. “That’s taking uniform police off the road.”

And on the road was where Mr Dubojski believed police needed to be.

He said the closure of Beresfield Police Station was not a huge problem.

If there were more officers, he said, theycould be outpatrolling the roads rather than sitting behind a desk.

“It’s not where we start and finish it’s how many are out there,” he said.

“We want to see the police out in the community.”

Mr Dubojski said more police on the roads was also a deterrent for people to commit crime.

“It would help us beable to be more proactive,” he said.

Mr Dubojski backed up Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison’s belief that the command needed 20 more police officers immediately in order to make a difference.

He said 20 “was a very good start”, but he would like to see even more officers deployed tothe command.

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‘Reeks of hypocrisy’: most popular public service flight routes revealed

By admin|苏州桑拿会所

Public servants took nearly 7000 flights between , Port MoresbyandManus Island in the 2015-16financial year, part of more than $10m ingovernment travel related toimmigration detention.

New figures from the whole of government travel bill show the most popular flight route for public servantswas Canberra to Sydney, flown 176,916 times whileSydney to Los Angeles topped international travel, flown more than 3150 times in the period.

Federal government departments spent $427 million on travel in 2016. Photo: Peter Braig

Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon accused the Turnbull government of misusing public money, calling out 6981 flights between and the Papua New Guinea mainland and from Port Moresby and Manus Island.

There were nearly 3000 flights from the PNG capital to Manus, currently home to about 800 men in immigration limbo.

A further 4000 flights took place between Port Moresby and Brisbane and Cairns, many from other parts of the government and unrelated to immigration.

Flights toPort Moresby, Manus and Christmas Island cost taxpayers $10.59 million in 2015-16.

Spending within the government’s centralised travel system cost taxpayers half a billion dollars2015-16, topped by the Defence Department with $155 million in costs for domestic and international flights.

Senator Lee Rhiannon says the government spends too much on air travel. Photo: Daniel Munoz

The Immigration Department’s travel costs totalled $36.5 million, less than the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which spent $37.51 million.

Travel between Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne consistently tops the most flown routes, while there were about 42,000 flights between Brisbane and Townsville and 38,000 between Adelaide and Canberra in the period.

The most flown overseas routes included Sydney to major international connection hubs of Los Angeles, Singapore and Dallas/Fort Worth.

There were nearly 2000 flights between each of Sydney and Bangkok, Melbourne and Dubai and Melbourne and Singapore.

The Perth to Christmas Island route fell from the top 10 most flown routes in 2015-16.

Established in July 2010, the public service-wide system makes the federal government the largest spender on air travel in , ahead of miners BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, the big four banks and the country’s largest consulting firms.

Not included in the figures are the massive travel costs for members of Parliament, government ministers and their staff.

Senator Rhiannon used Senate estimates hearing to grill Finance Department officials about government travel costs. Since coming to government, the Coalition has sought to reduce spendingon travel.

“This is another example of the Turnbull government misusing public money,” she said.

“Most people would be critical of the steep rise in travel costs as it certainly does not represent value for money.

The NSW Green challengedthe Coalition to do more to rein in excessive public service travel and perks.

“This government is fond of telling people they need to tighten their belts, but is allowing its travel costs to balloon out with thousands of flights a year to Manus Island, which has become synonymous with abuse of asylum seekers,” she said.

“This reeks of hypocrisy. It is another example of how far this government is out of step with community expectations.”

Official guidelines for taxpayer-funded travel require public servants to “book like a private traveller”, seek less flexible fares, and buyonlythe cheapest ticket that suits the “practical business needs of the traveller”.

This week Fairfax Media reportedrunning ‘s offshore immigration detention program has cost the federal government at least $5 billionsince 2012.

Top 5 domestic routesCanberra – Sydney: 176,916 tripsCanberra – Melbourne: 164,584 tripsBrisbane – Canberra: 82,294 tripsMelbourne – Sydney: 73,813 tripsBrisbane – Sydney: 61,328 tripsTop 5 international routesSydney – Los Angeles: 3159 tripsSydney – Singapore: 2850 tripsPort Moresby – Manus Island: 2694 tripsSydney – Dallas/Fort Worth: 2633Brisbane – Port Moresby: 2366

Hunter mum physically abused two children for 18 months

By admin|苏州桑拿会所

Newcastle courthouse. A HUNTER mother repeatedly assaulted her two children over an 18-month period, deprived them of food and made them sleep in the bathtub or garage if they did not complete elaborate cleaning rituals.

The woman, who cannot be named because it would identify her two children, sobbed in the Newcastle District Court dock on Friday as Judge Tanya Bright was told her actions were tantamount to “gratuitous cruelty”.

The woman, who has been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder,pleaded guilty in November to a number of offences, including multiple counts of common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm as well as reckless wounding and failing to provide the necessities to her children, who were aged between 10 and 13 at the time of the offences.

According to a statement of agreed facts, the woman imposed “unusual routines and practices” on her children, including ordering them to complete “elaborate cleaning rituals” which took them all afternoon and evening.

“If the children did not perform the task to their mother’s satisfactions, abuse and punishment would follow,” the facts say.

A common punishment was being deprived of food, with the kids regularly given liquid breakfast drinks instead of meals.

In April of 2012, she rammed her son’s head into the wall while he was in the shower and then poked her soapy fingers into his eyes when he complained.

On another occasion she punched him in the face, hit him over the head with the edge of a plastic kitchen utensil, making him bleed before taking him to clean the blood out of his hair only to repeatedly knee him in the tailbone.

The woman was arrested in October, 2013 and the children were removed from her care.

Judge Bright adjourned the matter to next Friday, when she will determine if the woman should be sentenced to a full-time custodial sentence.

On that subject,DPP solicitor Kylie Henry said there was no doubt that an alternative to jail, like a suspended sentence, was inadequate.

“Having regard to the number of counts, the fact that there were two victims over a lengthy period of time andthe expectations of the community and the victims…it leaves your honour with no alternative but a full-time custodial sentence,” Ms Henry told Judge Bright.

Chinan basketball star Shane Heal to face fraud trial

By admin|苏州桑拿会所

Shane Heal arriving at Brisbane Magistrates Court in Brisbane on Thursday. Photo: AAPn basketball great Shane Heal says he’s looking forward to telling his side of the story after being committed to stand trial on charges of defrauding Philadelphia 76ers NBA coach Brett Brown.

The 46-year-old is accused of defrauding former friend and coaching mentor Brown of $750,000 when Heal was sole director of three companies, which are all now deregistered.

Heal was committed to stand trial at the Brisbane District Court on Thursday on three fraud charges by Magistrate Jacqui Payne, despite her deeming aspects of the crown’s case “weak”.

The four-time Olympian was charged last year following an n Securities and Investments Commission investigation relating to alleged misconduct in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Outside court, Heal said he was disappointed but had always presumed the committal process would lead to a future trial.

“I look forward to being able to get on the stand and really let the truth come out and tell my side of the story,” he said.

It came after his barrister Peter Davis, QC, claimed the former NBL All-Star guard did nothing wrong in his dealings with Brown and some of the prosecution allegations against him were “nonsense”.

Mr Davis said the three ventures the money had been loaned by Brown for – to acquire a coffee shop in Southport, set up a construction fit-out business and clinch a deal over a burger franchise – were all eventually realised.

The crown’s case was “fundamentally flawed” and partially pegged on “speculation” about where the money went, the barrister claimed.

Liquidators also did not audit the business accounts of two of Heal’s firms regarding a $250,000 sum, taking away from prosecution claims the money didn’t go to fitting out shops, he said.

But Crown Prosecutor Deborah Holliday said it was “readily ascertainable” some of the money came into a bank account, only for all or part of it to be quickly distributed to a margin loan facility.

This came after the court heard Heal had been facing a margin call of more than $90,000 in late 2008.

“It was used not for the purpose that Heal represented to Brown that it would be used for,” Ms Holliday said said.

At an earlier hearing, Brown said he felt he was lending money to Heal personally, even if the legal particulars were otherwise “because it was a friend that I had for 25 years”.

At the time of the alleged offending, Heal was the sole director of the three companies involved – Shyfox Pty Ltd, Cre8ive Constructions Queensland Pty Ltd and 23 Investments Pty Ltd.

Heal’s glittering playing career included two stints in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the San Antonio Spurs.

AAP

Riverina film fighting youth suicide announced finalist in The Mindscape Film Festivalvideo

By admin|苏州桑拿会所

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The film features local Renate Millonig in a lead role and extras from CSU’s drama school. Picture: suppliedIan Thomson grew up “an urban child of a country family”, looking up to histhree cousins living on the land as “tough and capable.”

Tragically, two of them took their own lives before they reached 25.

“Looking back theywere never given a way to express themselves emotionally,” Mr Thomson said.

His short film The Invisible Edge, shot in and around Wagga,explores male suicide and mental healththrough a tale of two brothers. It’s nowa finalist in the international Mindscape Film Festival.

The film was inspired by his personal experience, and the shocking toll of suicide on regional communities.

Regional backdrop to film fighting stigmahttps://nnimgt-a.akamaihd苏州夜场招聘/transform/v1/crop/frm/m9EXD5V55pyRiKvnw7Re4A/94a5a244-9f6d-4169-9028-8dd5e2ab4103.jpg/r5_0_1915_1079_w1200_h678_fmax.jpgAn exploration of the tragic toll of suicide in regional may be on the way to LA.The Invisible Edge, Mindscape Film Festival, youth suicide, mental health, rural suicide, male suicide2017-07-21T17:30:00+10:00https://players.brightcove苏州夜场招聘/3879528182001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5515192652001https://players.brightcove苏州夜场招聘/3879528182001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5515192652001The Invisible Edge trailer Suicide rates for 15 to 24-year-olds are at theirhighest rate in 10 years with youth in regional and remote areas at higher risk.

Mr Thomson believes“narrative fiction can influence social issues.” He hopes the film may be a more subtle medium toencourage conversation and promoteawareness of a crippling issue inrural areas.

“In regional areas there can be an avoidance of seeking help as people don’t want to give themselves away,” he said.

“But a film might start a conversation.”

The Invisible Edgefeatures local talent, including Renate Millonig in the role of the mother and extras from CSU’s drama school and has a background of Junee, Illabo,Wagga and The Rock.

It can be viewed and voted for online until August 3.

The winner will be screened in Los Angeles with 11 other films exploring mental health issues from around the world.

Mr Thomson is hoping to screen the film in the Riverina in the coming months.

If you or anyone you know needs help, you can call:

MensLine :1300 78 99 78Lifeline:13 11 14Suicide Call Back Service:1300 659 467Daily Advertiser

Newcastle Jets: Teenager impresses Merrick in pre-season hit out

By admin|苏州桑拿会所

ON THE BALL: Pat Langlois battles Magic winger Dino Fajkovic in the Jets’ 5-1 win on Wednesday night. The teenage defender has impressed Jets coach Ernie Merrick. Picture: Sproule Sports Focus. LITTLE-KNOWN centre back Patrick Langlois wasplucked from the Jets youth team to help fill a void for the club’s opening two pre-season trial games.

Skipper Nigel Boogaard (ankle) has made a late start to the pre-season and Lachlan Jackson is on duty with the Olyroos in Myanmar.

Such has been the performance of Langlois, the 17-year-oldis set to be offered a scholarship and train with the senior squad.

Langlois, who played under-22s for Broadmeadow Magic last season, was near faultless in the Jets’ 5-1 win over his old club on Wednesday.He read the game well, got a foot in when required and was composed playing out from the back.

“I am very happy with young Patty Langlois,” coach Ernie Merricksaid. “He did really well. There are quality players in this town. I said that from the start.”

Boogaard is set to make his first appearance of the pre-season against the Mariners in a closed trial at Tuggerah on Wednesday.

“We have nine under-20s training with us and some of them are very good, there is no doubt about that,” Merrick said. “We probably just have too many, but that doesn’t stop us from coaching them and encouraging them and playing them when we need them. We had three away with the Olympic team and that shows we are getting a bit of depth around our squad.”

Merrick was happy with the trial and had special praise for Magic coach Ruben Zadkovich.

“You can see Magic are well coached by Ruben,” he said. “I had a good chat to him before the game and he has really good ideas as a coach.

“I thought the whole environment was good and the quality of football was good from both sides.They had some really good patches and have some good players. Their little left-foot winger(Sam Webb)was very good. I think he came through the Emerging Jets.

Meanwhile, the Olyroos played Singapore overnight after opening their Asian under-23 Championship qualifying tournament with a 2-0 win over Brunei.Nick Cowburn started at right back but Jackson and Devante Clut were not used. The Olyroos meet Myanmar on Sunday.

Mums get by with a little help from friends

By admin|苏州桑拿会所

KID WRANGLING: Aberglasslyn mum Lauren Greay said the support and friendship of other mothers gave her confidence in her parenting of son Bryce, 2, and daughter Chloe, 11 months. Picture: Marina NeilWHEN LaurenGreay fell pregnant with her first child, she did not expect the experience to be so isolating.

“I lost a lot of friends,” the mother-of-two from the Hunter region of NSWsaid.“We became a little boring, me and my husband, and meeting new friends was really, really difficult.”

It is a loneliness shared among many mothers of young children, including Heidi Gooley from Newcastle. For Mrs Gooley, the support of other mums has been a lifesaver since the arrival of her son Brandon, now 20 months.

“Being a mum is definitely isolating,” she said. “You need that support from other mums to get you through.”

The women are part of a growing movement bringing mothers together for friendship, adviceand a laugh.

Babes + Picnics groups have exploded across the country since the first meeting was held in Brisbane in October last year. The groups meet once a month in public places and are open to anyone with small children. There are now about 20,000 mumsmeeting in 40 locations across .

For Mrs Greay of Aberglasslyn, who has no extended family support nearby and is raising two children, Bryce, 2, and Chloe, 11 months, connecting with other parents was a lifesaver.

“My husband almost pushed me out the door to the community mother’s group and those peopleare now my best friends,” she said.“There’s a real need for this. Motherhood is extremely isolating.

“There are days when I don’t leave the house.”

She said one of the most valuable aspects of the groups was being able to drop any facade of the “perfect” mother.

“It’s given me confidence because you’re second guessing everything as a first time mum, you just doubt yourself so much,” she said.“It’s nice to sit with other mums, who have become really good friends, and have a nice conversation and you don’t have to put up this image that everything is perfect.

“Because it is hard. Some days, my husband comes home and dinner is not on the table but the kids are happy and in bed and that’s what I achieved that day.”

The groups also have a “pay it forward” policy, choosing to donate to a different local charity each month.

“We don’t ask for money as there are a lot of mums where even $5 can’t be afforded,” Mrs Greay said.

“But if you’ve got lots of nappies that the kids have outgrown then we can donate to the Nappy Collective, and things like that.”

The next Babes + Picnics Maitland meeting is on Friday, August 4, from 10am at Maitland Park Bowling Club. The Newcastle meeting is also on August 4, at Habitat Adamstown from 8.30am. For more information visit Babes + Picnics Newcastle or Babes + Picnics Maitland on Facebook.

Euthanasia: New laws could see Victorians get lethal medicine within 10 days

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File photoPeople with terminal illnesses could access lethal medication within 10 days of asking, under proposed euthanasia laws for Victoria, made public for the first time on Friday, that have been described as the most conservative in the world.

Serious disability or dementia would not be grounds for eligibility under the proposed laws.

New criminal offences could also be introduced to prosecute those who “induce” a person to request to die.

Details about Victoria’s proposed euthanasia laws are contained in 66 recommendations outlined in the Andrews government’s Ministerial Advisory Panel report on voluntary assisted dying.

Anyone who asks to die must go through a three-step request, the advisory panel recommended.

The patient must begin with a verbal request, followed by a formal written request, then a final verbal request.

A minimum of 10 days must pass between the first and final request, unless the person is assessed as likely to die within 10 days.

It is expected that, at first, about 150 people a year will access assisted dying legislation in Victoria and that this would likely increase.

The proposal document will shape the laws set to come before both houses of Victoria’s parliament next month and contains the most detailed information yet on what who will be eligible and the safeguards to be introduced.

Politicians will have a conscience vote and are not expected to vote along party lines, with the exception of the Greens who support voluntary euthanasia.

Professor Brian Owler, chairman of the panel, described the proposed laws as conservative and “distinctly Victorian” Photo: Andrew Meares

Professor Brian Owler, chair of the advisory panel and former president of the n Medical Association, has described the proposed laws as conservative and “distinctly Victorian”.

“If anything we can be criticised for the burden it may place on someone that is dying,” Professor Owler said.

Professor Owler said it was conceivable that a person “could obtain a prescription, visit a chemist to get a dose of medication and self-administer on that day”.

But he said this was not the usual experience overseas.

Seven key criteriaPeople must be able to fulfil seven key eligibility criteria – including that they are expected to die within a year, are aged over 18, have an incurable disease that will cause death and have a medical condition that is causing suffering that “cannot be relieved in a manner that is deemed tolerable”.

People with dementia will not have access to euthanasia.

Patients with motor neurone disease would have access to physician-assisted euthanasia, and help to physically administer a lethal dose if physically unable to do so.

The panel said while it accepted the loss of cognitive capacity may cause distress to some people “voluntary assisted dying must be ‘voluntary’ – that is, a person must have the decision-making capacity to make an autonomous choice – at all stages of the process”.

People with a mental illness or a disability would only be able to access euthanasia if they had a terminal illness and fulfil the other criteria.

The panel recommended that only the person who is terminally ill and wants to die can make a request to access lethal medication.

Neither a doctor, nor a carer, can request access and neither can a doctor initiate a discussion about ending one’s life.

A person may withdraw their request at any time, and once having done so, must begin the process anew if she or he decides to seek access to lethal medication again.

The panel also addressed the potential for “elder abuse” by a relative or carer, for example, who could conceivably benefit financially from the person’s death.

To guard against elder abuse, two independent assessments will be done to ensure a person’s request to die is voluntary and properly informed.

Anyone who requests to die will be required to create a written declaration of his or her enduring request, which will also be witnessed by two independent witnesses.

Neither witness can be in a position where they can financially benefit from the person’s death.

“It is important that elder abuse is addressed, and the panel is of the view that its recommended framework will identify and manage instances of elder abuse,” the ministerial advisory panel’s report said.

The panel recommended that all requests to die be independently assessed by two medical practitioners, neither of whom is in a position to benefit from the person’s death.

One must be a medical practitioner, such as a GP for example, who has been qualified for at least five years.

The other must be a specialist in the terminal illness or condition the person suffers.

Both assessors must have completed specified training beforehand.

Two side of the debateMuch unites those on either side of the euthanasia debate. Many agree that palliative care needs to be better funded and available to more Victorians sooner.

But they remain fundamentally divided on what rights should be given to a small number of people for whom even the best medical treatment is not enough to relieve their suffering.

Retired nurse Jane Morris says her mother Elizabeth was one of the minority of people who suffereda “horrific” and “torturous”death.

The 77-year-old, who had motor neurone disease, died in August 2014.

Ms Morris said her family remains traumatised by the last day of her mother’s life, as an attempt to terminally sedate Elizabeth was unsuccessful, despite”exemplary” palliative care.

“She had pain, breakthrough pain, because her prescribed dose was unable to adequately palliate her pain at all times,” Ms Morris said.

“She managed to express to us her fear and in one of her conscious moments was able to convey to us that she wanted to be fed through her PEG tube. This was so very traumatic for all of us, many staff included.

“However, orders were relayed to us by equally distressed staff that we should inform Mum that she was not to be fed.

“Why should we have been expected to inform our dying mother that we could not fulfil a dying wish?”

Ms Morris said every individual should be given a choice about whether they want to access assisted-dying laws.

“I don’t care what way people decide. I have respect for everyone’s choice. But I don’t think one ideology should trump another,” she said.

“The memories of mum’s horrific death have been seared into our memories.”

Palliative Care Victoria is one of the organisations which have declared it will oppose euthanasia laws, saying it “will lead to a growing sense of a duty to die”.

They say those who work daily with the dying, Victoria’s palliative care staff, are more likely than the general population to oppose assisted-dying laws (popular support stands at more than 75 per cent).

Palliative Care Victoria chief executive Odette Waanders said some still misunderstood palliative care, which meant some were going without help.

“There is a perception that palliative care means that you’re giving up, and you’re reaching the end of life and that nothing more can be done.

“But it can be done in tandem with treatment.”

The organisation is calling for an extra $65 million to be pumped into the sector by the Victorian government to improve access.