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ABC accuses The Australian of failing to follow ‘accepted ethical practices’ in story critical of 730 euthanasia report

The ABC has rejected The Australian’s criticism of its 7.30 program’s story on voluntary euthanasia, slamming News Corp’s national broadsheet for its failure to approach the ABC for comment “as is accepted ethical practice in journalism”.

ABC criticised for showing final moments of Max Bromson's life

ABC criticised for showing final moments of Max Bromson’s life

7.30 told the story of Max Bromson, a sufferer of bone cancer, who died in July 2014 from a fatal self-administered dose of Nembutal.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott criticised the ABC, telling The Australian the public broadcaster was engaged in “death voyeurism”.

Former Liberal minister Kevin Andrews – who led the fight to overturn the Northern Territory’s assisted dying laws two decades ago – also waded into the fight, saying anything that promoted suicide in the community was “inappropriate and irresponsible”.

In turn, the ABC has now criticised The Australian’s failure “to include a response from the pro-euthanasia side of the debate” as the 7.30 report “correctly included the views of both sides of the issue”.

According to a statement from the ABC,the moment of Bromson’s death was not seen.

“Key aspects of the methods used by Mr Bromson have been omitted from the story in accordance with accepted media guidelines in relation to suicide. While Mr Bromson is seen losing consciousness, the moment of his death is not seen,” it said.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott criticised the ABC, telling the Australian the public broadcaster was engaged in “death voyeurism”.

Former Liberal minister Kevin Andrews – who led the fight to overturn the Northern Territory’s assisted dying laws two decades ago – also waded into the fight, saying anything that promoted suicide in the community was “inappropriate and irresponsible”.

In turn, the ABC has now criticised The Australian’s failure “to include a response from the pro-euthanasia side of the debate” as the 7.30 report “correctly included the views of both sides of the issue”.

The ABC’s statement in full: 

Max Bromson was a tireless activist for euthanasia In South Australia. He died in July 2014, at age 67, not of the bone cancer that made his last years so painful but from a fatal self-administered dose of Nembutal. He died surrounded by family with a camera rolling. The vision was filmed by a family member and provided to the ABC for broadcast with the clear approval of the family and of the dying man himself.

His death sparked a police and coronial investigation into what role his family may have played in his death. Their cameras, computers and the controversial footage of his final moments were seized as evidence. For two years, the family lived in fear of criminal prosecution. Last month, police concluded the investigation and returned the vision to the family. A coroner’s inquest is yet to be held – and could still recommend charges be laid against the family.

Voluntary euthanasia bills are set to come before two state parliaments this year – South Australia and Tasmania – and in Victoria a cross-party state committee has recommended the State Government legalise it. ABC News believes there is a strong public interest in telling his story and showing this powerful vision at this time. It shows in a clear and compelling manner the human and legal dilemmas at the heart of this debate. It shows for the first time, exactly what is being debated.

In preparing the story, 7.30 and reporter Alex Mann were acutely aware of the need to tell the full story of Mr Bromson’s decision while avoiding the possibility of encouraging or being seen to facilitate suicide. Key aspects of the methods used by Mr Bromson have been omitted from the story in accordance with accepted media guidelines in relation to suicide. While Mr Bromson is seen losing consciousness, the moment of his death is not seen.

The video was filmed by the family at Mr Bromson’s request in order to protect the family from prosecution at a later date by showing they did not help him. The family wanted the video screened in order to show the audience the lengths they have had to go to in order to try to obtain some kind of legal protection.

The Australian failed to approach the ABC for comment, as is accepted ethical practice in journalism. The ABC also notes The Australian’s report failed to include a response from the pro-euthanasia side of the debate, whereas the 730 report correctly included the views of both sides of the issue.

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