Not a good look

Not a good look, indeed. Justice Dalton observed that 'it was relevant' that Nielsen was the beneficiary of Ward's estate, adding that he had engaged in a "deliberate defiance of the law". Of course, we cannot truly know what motivated Nielsen, but Dalton made it clear that her judgement was made on the basis of the law.

Nor is it a 'good look' that Nitschke's Exit International organisation had been involved with both Ward and Nielsen prior to the death. From a Brisbane Times report of the 3^rd of February:

The court heard on Friday that Nielsen and Mr Ward had met two members of Nancy's Friends - a subgroup of euthanasia advocacy organisation Exit International - to learn how to assist in a suicide, and Nielsen had taken notes during the two meetings, in 2007 and 2008.

However, the two witnesses - Beryl Morman, 74, and Bronley Norman, 68 - both told the court they could barely remember meeting with Nielsen and Mr Ward.

They both also refused to answer specific questions about what was discussed in the meetings in case it incriminated them.

It is illegal in Queensland to assist someone to commit suicide or provide any advice or counselling about how to do so.

Both said they had required Mr Ward and Nielsen to sign waivers before the meeting stating they would not put the advice they had received into practice.

The waiver would hold no force in law and most certainly would offer no legal protection if it were ever proven that they did provide advice and counselling. The news report suggests as much but proof in a court is another matter.