PCNSW neither advocates for, nor argues against the legalisation of voluntary assisted dying. A decision about whether or not to legalise voluntary assisted dying is one for governments.

However we also recognise that the topic of voluntary assisted dying raises difficult and complex ethical issues, and within the Australian community and that this diversity of opinion is also reflected within the palliative care community.

We have provided this forum to encourage our members to engage in open and respectful discussion on VAD. If you would like to contribute information, resources or comment, please use the Contact Form at the end of this page.

Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Bill NSW 2021.

The VAD Bill was presented to NSW parliament Thursday 14 October 2021 by Independent Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich.  In preparation for the introduction of this Bill, PCNSW has met with Mr Greenwich to present our position on VAD and palliative care. We have also written to NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, the Deputy Premier, the Treasurer and Minister for Health, stating our position on palliative care in relation to the potential introduction of VAD.  Our primary focus is the request for equity of access to, and information about, palliative care and a firm investment commitment to support the palliative care sector to respond to and adapt to this new legislation, should it come to pass.  We will keep you updated through member emails and on this page.

Information resources

• PCNSW Position Statement – VAD Bill NSW 2021
• PCA Guiding Principles – VAD in Australia
• PCNSW submission to VAD Bill (2017) NSW
• Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill (2021) NSW_Final
• VAD Bill NSW Summary