Euthanasia was legal for a period between 1996 and 1997 in the Northern Territory, until a federal law overturning the territory law (and removing the right of territories to legislate on euthanasia) was passed.[2] In Australia the Federal Parliament can overturn laws passed by territories, whereas states retain the right to independently legislate on particular issues, such as healthcare.[3] States that have debated euthanasia legislation and failed to pass it include Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales.