In a statement released on Thursday, Premier Daniel Andrews said the bill would allow adults with decision-making capacity who were at the end of their lives and suffering from a terminal illness to be provided with assistance to die.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards joined a number of MPs who have expressed their support for assisted dying legislation, saying while she would reserve her final judgement until the bill had been finalised, she intended to vote in favour of it.

Ms Edwards said experiencing the death of her husband from brain cancer in 2002, and knowing his wishes, had helped establish her view that a change to the law was justified.

“Knowing what he went through and watching him die and going through those last few days in particular where it was very, very difficult, I think there are justifications for the legislation,” she said.

“[It was] extremely difficult, not just for me but for my four children and his parents and the extended family, it was excruciating and not something that I would wish on anybody.”

Mr Andrews said a ministerial advisory panel made up of clinical, legal, consumer, health administration and palliative care experts would be convened to assist in drafting the bill, to establish a safe and compassionate legislative framework for assisted dying in Victoria.

He said the government would work to ensure all parliamentarians had the information and assurances they needed to make an informed decision on the legislation.

“Community sentiment on this issue is changing and I know many in Victoria think it’s time we have this debate – a debate that respects people’s views and respects people’s lives,” he said.

Ms Edwards said she would study the legislation closely to ensure there were appropriate safeguards in place to protect the vulnerable as well as canvassing the views of her constituents.

“I imagine they would be fairly strict and hopefully done in way that is both supportive of those wanting the right to assisted suicide but also taking into consideration medical issues etc.,” she said.

“I actually had a meeting a couple of months ago with a constituent from Castlemaine where this issue was raised and flagged with me asking would I support it and of course they were in favour as well.”

Meanwhile Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said she was yet to reach a final position on the matter and would not be drawn on what considerations would inform her decision.

“This is an important conversation for our community and I will be considering my position over the coming months as the legislation is finalised,” she said.

Matters up for consideration by the ministerial advisory panel include:

The government expects to introduce the legislation, which is to be prepared by Health Minister Jill Hennessy and Attorney-General Martin Pakula, in the second half of 2017.