A recent decision by the Legislative Council has further delayed the movement of the Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Bill in NSW. An inquiry into the issue by the Law and Justice Committee means that the Bill won’t be voted on in the Upper House until 2022.  

After Parliament’s postponement for a significant portion of the year, another pause to the Bill’s progress is being criticised as a delay tactic for the Bill, which has already received opportunity for review.  

The Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill aims to enable those with terminal illness to access voluntary end-of-life options, under various safeguards to ensure the decision is independent and will avoid prolonged suffering.  

During the inquiry, the committee will hold three public hearings in December to gauge public sentiment over the issue. The findings of the inquiry from the committee will ultimately inform the Upper House’s consideration of the Bill in 2022.  

Organisations in opposition of the VAD Bill have seized the opportunity to plead their case against new laws, as NSW is the last state of Australia to introduce any form of VAD Bill.  

Catholic Health Australia (CHA) has argued that the need for voluntary assisted dying is obsolete following advances in technology.  

"The critical factor that’s changed over the past decade is medical science, primarily in the field of palliative care. New treatments like intrathecal care and nerve blocking are enabling people with life-ending conditions to achieve a quality-of-life inaccessible last century,” said CHA Chair John Watkins.  

Rather than voluntary assisted dying, CHA stated that increased investment in palliative care to increase access should be the state’s priority, suggesting a $275 million investment to make care available for all terminally ill Australians.  

“If you’re poor, live in the wrong area and have no health insurance, your chance of accessing modern palliative care is close to nil,” Mr Watkins said.  

Following the change of leadership in NSW government, those in support of the Bill have expressed concern that the Bill’s potential may have faltered, given Premier Dominic Perrottet and Opposition Leader Chris Minns have both ruled out their support of the Bill.  

Still, the Premier has given support for a conscience vote for Liberal MPs in an effort to bring a conclusion that is reflective of the public’s view.  

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), while also encouraging more investment in palliative care, has emphasised the importance of the Bill to those suffering from a terminal illness.  

“Voluntary assisted dying is not a choice someone makes to end their life, but a choice about how they want their life to end,” said OPAN CEO Craig Gear.  

According to data released from state coroners, people with a terminal or debilitating chronic illness make up one in every ten suicides.  

“People who are terminally ill should not be forced to take harrowing measures to escape their suffering,” said Mr Gear.  

As the push back and forth over end-of-life options continue, the coming months will likely see each side make harrowing effort to inform public opinion. Already, FamilyVoice Australia, who are campaigning their opposition to the Bill, have committed to using the delayed period to target the 28 MPs who co-sponsored the Bill.  

The three public hearings will be held December 8, 10 and 13. Until then, members of the public can have their say on the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill by completing the questionnaire, with submissions open until November 22.