Overview
- Liberal MLC Susan Carter has introduced an amendment allowing residential aged care facilities to decline facilitating voluntary assisted dying on their premises under the same framework applied to hospitals, with 12 MPs co-sponsoring the bill.
- NSW Health guidance currently allows aged care homes to opt out of providing VAD but requires them not to hinder a resident’s access to the service.
- The Liberal Party is divided, with Speakman supportive and granting a conscience vote, while Liberal MLC Jacqui Munro and lower house MP Felicity Wilson oppose changing the law.
- Faith-based provider Uniting NSW.ACT says it will not prevent residents from accessing VAD or push relocations, stressing that aged care is a person’s home.
- Advocates warn the change would force frail residents to transfer off-site and dispute claims the proposal aligns NSW with other states, with the upper house to consider the bill in the final sitting period next month.