In June 2015, Graham and Diana shared the beginning of their story with Ms Allan, prompted by the inquiry into end-of-life choices that was being undertaken at the time.

“Graham and Diana had a devastating personal story to share,” Ms Allan said in a speech to parliament on Wednesday night, voicing her support of voluntary assisted dying laws in Victoria.

“They told me how their wife and mother, Dorothy, a frail aged woman experiencing significant pain, took her own life using Nembutal she had sourced from the United States.”

What followed was a 19-month investigation in which police had tried to determine whether the family had played a part in assisting Mrs Hookey in her death.

Both Graham and Diana were eventually cleared of any wrongdoing, as was the rest of Mrs Hookey’s family.

“I share this story because Graham and Diana's family experience has stayed with me since I met with them,” Ms Allan continued. 

“It stayed with me because at the time I was uncertain in my views on this issue, and I remained uncertain of how I would vote on this bill — on this issue of voluntary assisted dying — for quite some time.”

Ms Allan said she reflected deeply on the legislation as it went through various processes, talking to many in support of and against the legislation. 

But a key factor in determining her position was a recent conversation she had with her family, including her brother and his partner’s experiences as nurses.

Ms Allan said this was something that was a great influence on her decision, as was the experiences of another Bendigo nurse. 

“That nurse spoke about how, 24 hours a day, nurses are with their patients; about the issue of nurses treating patients and not being able to support patients in the way they want to be supported when they are experiencing great pain,” she said.

“Ultimately, after this period of reflection and consideration, I determined that it was not for me to stand in the way of those who wish to choose how they die. 

“It is their choice, it is a choice I respect and it is a choice this legislation enables. That is why I am supporting this bill.”