Territories' rights a step closer to restoration

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown says today's Senate debate on his private member's bill to restore territory rights on voluntary euthanasia is indicating a positive outcome.

"While four of the seven senators who indicated a position favoured the bill, the three opponents relied on their opposition to euthanasia and ignored the bill's democratic imperative.

"I expect doctrinaire anti-euthanasia arguments, but the argument for restoring territory rights is compelling and will win out," Senator Brown said.

Debate on Senator Brown's bill, which does not restore the Northern Territory's euthanasia laws will continue in the November sittings if the government agrees.