The 27 faith leaders and organisations have signed a joint statement calling on the NSW Upper House to protect religious freedom in faith-based aged-care facilities as voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws return to Parliament today for debate.
The Hon. Susan Carter’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Amendment (Residential Facilities) Bill 2025, introduced on 15 October, seeks to ensure that faith-based institutions retain the right to decline providing assisted suicide on their premises.
The joint statement says the Bill offers “fair and reasonable protection, ensuring that faith-based aged-care providers, their staff, and residents retain the freedom to choose care options that reflect their beliefs and values.”
The 27 signatories argue the Bill strikes the right balance; safeguarding freedom of conscience and association while maintaining choice of individuals who wish to end their life through VAD.
The statement continues, “Offering true choice and valuing diversity in NSW includes allowing space for people who do not wish to live their final days in a place where VAD is provided and giving options to families who prioritise authentic faith-based care for their loved ones”.
Joshua Rowe, the NSW Director of the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL), said the proposed law reflects the diversity that NSW claims to champion.
“True diversity in NSW means respecting and protecting people of faith to choose care that aligns with their beliefs and values about life,” Mr Rowe said. “End-of-life care should never force people or institutions to violate their conscience.”
The proposed law does not prevent residents from accessing information about VAD on the premises, nor does it restrict their ability to access VAD elsewhere. It simply extends to aged-care providers the same autonomy already granted to faith-based hospitals in NSW: the right to decline VAD on their premises.
“Supporting this bill is a clear yes to a tolerant NSW- one that respects freedom of belief and protects conscience in life’s most profound decisions.” Mr. Rowe said.
The Australian Christian Lobby is calling on members of the Legislative Council to use their conscience vote to protect the conscience rights of faith communities in NSW.
