The meeting is being hosted by the local chapter of Exit International, a pro-euthanasia group founded by Dr Nitschke. Convener Lesley Archer said the meeting’s workshop component will only be open to Exit members, of which there are 150 registered locally.

“The meeting will be divided into two seminars. First will be the public meeting, of an hour or so, and after a tea and coffee break, a workshop for Exit members only,” she said.

“Topics to be discussed include euthanasia and the law, advance directives [living wills], enduring medical powers of attorney and guardianship matters.”

Dr Nitschke is in Ireland on a speaking tour to expand Exit.

His schedule had a hiccup when Belfast’s Queen’s University cancelled his scheduled lecture.

A university spokeswoman said last Tuesday the invitation was withdrawn because “the reported views of Nitschke were not deemed appropriate”.

Despite the setback, Dr Nitschke has told the Advocate he is looking forward to the Tuncurry meeting.

To become eligible for the workshop, Exit members pay a $50 joining fee and sign a disclaimer promising not to use the information “to advise, counsel or assist in the act of suicide”.

“It’s effectively stating they won’t take notice of what I’m saying,” Dr Nitschke said.

He received a better reception in London where audiences of mainly over-50s turned up to workshops to hear how, if their health deteriorated in the future, they could take their own lives.

Dr Nitschke’s Exit International meeting is 12pm Monday, November 10 at Tuncurry Bowling Club. For information, contact Lesley Archer on 6554 5942 around 6pm daily.