His Book is Banned,

Police Want to Question Him,

And the Man Called ‘Dr. Death’

by Australian Media Talks with

Banned Magazine About Censorship

 

By Joshua B. Good

Thursday, March 1, 2007

 

Dr. Philip Nitschke’s book The Peaceful Pill Handbook was banned by the Australian government this week. Nitschke is the leader of Exit International, an assisted-suicide advocacy group in Australia. Currently in Mexico, Nitschke could face an investigation by homicide detectives when he is scheduled to return to Australia Monday (March 5, 2007). Police have charged two other Exit International members with murder in connection with the mercy killing of Graeme Wylie, 71, in March of 2006, according to the Daily Telegraph of Australia.

      On Thursday (March 1, 2007), Nitschke responded by email to www.bannedmagazine.com Editor Joshua B. Good’s questions about his experience with censorship. The following are Nitschke’s uncensored answers:

 

Why was your book banned?

 

The official reason from the Media Release of the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) is: "The Classification Review Board determined that The Peaceful Pill Handbook warrants Refused Classification (RC) because it instructs in the crime of the manufacture of barbiturates. Further, a majority of the Review Board determined that it also instructs in the crimes of the possession and importation of barbiturates and in offences under Coroners legislation in all States and Territories.

“The handbook gives detailed, although flawed and incomplete, instruction in the manufacture of a barbiturate,

which the book states is the closest substance to a ‘peaceful pill,’” said Classification Review Board governor, Maureen Shelley."

The more likely reason was that the Review Board caved in to pressure from the Australian Federal government (itself pressured by the religious right) who lodged an appeal against the original decision of the OFLC to provide restricted classification to the book.
 

Are there other ways for you to get you book to Australians?

 

The only available channel now is from overseas sources. Exit publishes the book in the US and it is available from Amazon.com. As it is now deemed to be a "prohibited import" into Australia there is a chance that books ordered from overseas will be seized. Already a number have been seized by Australian customs, but many more are finding their way into the country. The book is also about to be put on-line so that it can be downloaded and printed in Australia, but those so doing will risk criminal charges.
 

Are there criminal sanctions against people who sell the book in Australia?

 

Yes - any distribution of a 'RC' (Refused Classification) publication can attract a severe penalty (up to ~$10,000 per book)
 

Why did you write the book?

 

I run workshops on end of life choices for elderly members of our organisation (Exit International). The book was written to be a printed supplement to these workshops, providing those with an interest in possible end of life strategies with a summary of the workshop information. With the banning of the books, the workshops will continue and make use of material directly from the book but those attending will have to take notes etc. At this stage the Australian government has not yet outlawed the freedom to assemble.

Have you been censored in other ways in Australia?

 

In 2003 there was an amendment to the Australian Customs Act making it an offence to import or export "suicide related material or items". This led to my apprehension on four occasions at Australian international airports as my bags (and computer) were searched for such material.

In Jan 2006 the Australian Federal Government passed the “Suicide Related Materials Act" which now makes it an offence in Australia to use an electronic carrier (fax, telephone, email or the internet) to "broadcast to make available" information on end of life methods. Penalty $120,000 for individuals, $550,000 for organisations like Exit). The passage of this legislation forced Exit to relocate its website and telephone switch to New Zealand.
 

Is assisted suicide illegal in Australia?

 

Yes - it remains a (serious) crime in all states and Territories of Australia. Three states have as a possible maximum penalty for "advising, counseling or assisting" a suicide a possible life imprisonment term - the maximum penalty the State can apply in this country. In other states the penalty maximum varies from 10 to 25 years.

How much religious influence was there in the decision to ban your book?

 

A great deal. Originally the book received a classification in Australia of "Restricted Class 1" This meant it could bw printed and distributed in this country under strict conditions (warning label on the cover, not to be sold to those under 18 years etc). This decision had only been in place a month when the religious Right to Life Australia group petitioned the Federal Attorney General, Phillip Ruddock, to appeal the decision of the Board. This he duly did. In the hearings that followed it was senior council from Right to Life that argued that the original decision of the Board had been a mistake. The Review Board (all appointed by the Attorney General) did what they were told and rolled over reversing the original OFLC decision and totally banning the book. No other book on end of life issues has ever been subjected to this treatment and the incident has focused attention on the willingness of the Australian government to be influenced by the Religious Right. Media statements from various Christian lobby groups have since applauded the actions of the Attorney General.

 

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