The first person in Western Australia has died under the recently enacted voluntary assisted dying laws.

The unnamed person's death was confirmed in a Facebook post from Premier Mark McGowan.

"We passed these laws so terminally ill Western Australians, who are suffering, could have the compassionate choice to end their lives with dignity," Mr McGowan said.

READ MORE: NSW records 239 new COVID-19 cases, new rules for high-risk LGAs

"I can only imagine what an emotional time it must have been for the person involved and their loved ones."

The person has not been identified. Mr McGowan called on people to respect the privacy of their unnamed family.

"Death is a difficult issue, and we don't like thinking about what the end of our lives may look like," he said.

"I am sure many will find comfort in the fact these laws mean neither they nor their loved ones will be forced to suffer needlessly at the end of their lives.

"That is why so many Western Australians fought so hard for so long to bring about these laws, and why the WA community supported them so emphatically."

READ MORE: South Australia legalises voluntary assisted dying

Voluntary assisted dying laws passed Western Australian parliament in December 2019, but only came into effect at the start of this month.

A person must be terminally ill with an intolerably painful condition to be eligible.

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Authorities are warning families not to bring coal-burning devices indoors during winter after 17 people presented to hospital in NSW in one week with carbon monoxide poisoning.

All 17 – nine of whom were children – had been unable to detect rising levels of carbon monoxide within an enclosed space because of its distinct lack of smell or taste.

"Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that is extremely toxic," said Dr Darren Roberts, Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre.

READ MORE: This Aussie tree is blooming everywhere – but it could poison you

"People may not know they are inhaling it until it's too late."

Most cases of carbon monoxide occur when charcoal is burnt inside an enclosed space at night for heat, often by bringing a barbeque indoors.

It often involves multiple members of a household and can lead to serious health consequences, particularly for children and the elderly.

READ MORE: Toddler vomiting blood dies after swallowing toilet cleaner capsule

"It is vital that people never burn barbeque coals indoors or in enclosed spaces," Dr Roberts said.

"Barbeques and outdoor heaters should only be used outside, in a well-ventilated area. Otherwise, the results could be tragic."

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include severe headaches, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Prolonged exposure often sees people fall unconscious and permanent brain damage can occur.

READ MORE: Underground ravers poisoned by carbon monoxide in Norway

The NSW Poisons Information Centre is urging all residents that if they think someone has been exposed to carbon monoxide to call them on 13 11 26.

In an emergency concerned residents should call Triple Zero (000).

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A man from a coronavirus hotspot in Sydney has been fined after telling police the reason he was speeding down a highway south of the city was to watch the sunrise.

The driver, from Liverpool, which is currently under strict stay-at-home orders, was pulled over on the M1 Motorway at Wollongong.

He was travelling at 107km/h in an 80 zone.

READ MORE: NSW records 239 new COVID-19 cases, new rules for high-risk LGAs

When he was stopped, NSW Police discovered he had breached the public health order and was driving down to the NSW South Coast to watch the sunrise.

He was handed a $494 speeding fine, and a $1000 fine for breaching the public health order and told to go home immediately.

Greater Sydney is currently subject to strict stay at home orders due to the current coronavirus outbreak.

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