Colleen Hartland

Colleen Mildred Hartland (1 February 1959—) is a former Australian politician.

Prior to entering politics, Hartland worked as a cook in Parliament during the term of the Cain/Kirner Governments, and was employed as a social worker by the Western Region Health Centre. She was also an activist who rose to prominence as a leader of the community campaign against the storage of toxic chemicals at Coode Island during the 1990s, and was a foundation member of the Hazardous Materials Action group (HAZMAG).

After two years in local politics, Hartland won a seat for the Victorian Greens in the 2006 State election. She was reelected in 2010 and 2014, before retiring in 2017.

In a statement released after the End of Life Choices Victorian parliamentary inquiry recommended law reform, Hartland - the Victorian Greens spokesperson for Health - said, “For too long, dying and extremely ill people have had limited choices to end their suffering. It has led to some horrific situations and to unnecessary trauma. These people deserve rights and compassion. Patients deserve the right to make decisions about their own death well before the pain is unbearable." ("It's time...", 2016).

Long-term euthanasia advocate Hartland and former Liberal MP Ken Smith had co-sponsored a voluntary euthanasia private members' bill in 2008 that was ultimately defeated; however, she was present to see Victoria legalise euthanasia nearly 10 years later (Preiss, 2017). 

Hartland retired from politics not long afterwards, citing exhaustion (Hore, 2018).

(via Wikipedia)

Hore, M. (2018, January 22). Greens MP Colleen Hartland to retire from Parliament early, as Greens name Huong Truong as replacement. News.com.au. https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/greens-mp-colleen-hartland-to-retire-from-parliament-early-as-greens-name-huong-truong-as-replacement/news-story/a59dea61eb51660661c9f3900a0da36d

It's time for assisted dying laws in Victoria. (2016, June 9). The Greens Victoria [media release]. https://greens.org.au/vic/news/media-release/its-time-assisted-dying-laws-victoria

Preiss, B. (2017, November 22). Historic euthanasia laws pass Victorian upper house. The Age. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/historic-euthanasia-laws-pass-victorian-upper-house-20171122-gzqc8n.html