Why Fiona Patten is expecting a ‘nasty’ debate

Reason Party MP Fiona Patten says she’s concerned the debate around the voluntary assisted dying bill will turn “nasty and aggressive” in Victorian parliament this week.

Laws allowing voluntary assisted dying passed the parliament’s lower house after a marathon debate between exhausted MPs in late October.

The controversial legislation will be debated in the upper house today as part of the committee stage.

“What I’m frightened of is that we had very respectful second reading debate. People spoke very personally and passionately on both sides,” she told Neil Mitchell.

“This part of the debate – I think this is when it’s going to get nasty.

“I can see (those opposing it) actually getting a lot more aggressive.”

A conscience vote on the issue is expected within weeks.

“Some people see it as the end of civilisation as we know it,” Ms Patten said.

“They’ve seen abortion law reform go through.

“You remember the abortion debate? I think we can expect something similar.”

Click PLAY to watch the discussion on 3AW Mornings