But she won't be. Instead, the Ballarat MP will be in Spring Street, debating Victoria's controversial Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill.

Thirteen-year-old Sinead Pulford died peacefully in the early hours of December 12, 2014, after a short but painful battle with incurable cancer.

Just a week earlier her mother had been named as Agriculture and Regional Development Minister.

The assisted dying legislation would not have been applied in Sinead's case due to her young age but her daughter's "good death" has coloured Ms Pulford's approach to the euthanasia debate.

"In some respects, I am dreading [this] week. It will be difficult," Ms Pulford said.

While voluntary assisted dying and palliative care should be seen as separate issues, Ms Pulford said they were "absolutely complimentary" and there must be continued investment in end-of-life care.

"[Sinead] received the best palliative care and she had a good death," Ms Pulford said.

"She was able to die at home, where the blossoms were out in full bloom.

"We were able to set her up in her room where she could still enjoy the sounds and smells of her house.

"Where the cat could pop up on her bed."

Less than a week before she died, Sinead was briefly in hospital and her parents and her doctor spoke openly to the young girl about her impending death.

"She was mightily pissed off when she realised she would never have a normal childhood, she would never marry or have children or go to university," Ms Pulford said.

This was a brutal conversation for everyone involved, but it brought Sinead clarity.

Immediately after that, Sinead was bundled into the family car and driven the long way home, via Lake Wendouree, a place she loved and where she would ride her unicycle.

While Sinead had the clarity she needed, the rest of the family metaphorically shut out the rest of the world by closing all their windows and doors.

Ms Pulford soon realised this was not how she wanted the last few days of her daughter's life to be, so she called all of Sinead's favourite people, her family and closest friends to be with her.

"We reopened the doors, there were mattresses on every floor in the house and people could come and go as they pleased ??? there was a true festive feel about it," Ms Pulford said.

With her palliative care experts on hand, Sinead's pain - and she was in a lot of it - was managed well.

Sinead lost her short battle with cancer. But she died in her own home, surrounded by the people she loved most in the world.

The Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill debate in the lower house is expected to be long and gruelling.

If it passes the Legislative Assembly, it will be debated in the upper house during the week starting October 30.

"If we can provide a legal framework to give adults who are enduring something unendurable - that is terminal - the chance to die a better death, then we should do that," Ms Pulford said.

State politicians will undertake a conscience vote on the bill, and it will be an issue where Ms Pulford said many politicians will find it difficult to separate personal experience from public policy.

"There will be a range of life experiences politicians will bring ??? politicians are people too," she said.

The Courier

If you are troubled by this report or experiencing a personal crisis, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au