Catholic Health Australia (CHA) has joined Southern Cross Care QLD in formally lodging a submission against the Queensland Law Reform Commission’s voluntary assisted dying legislation.
The Commission had asked for consultation on the topic as it worked toward formulating a legal framework for voluntary assisted dying in the state.
The Catholic health and aged care provider said it didn’t support assisted dying because it went against the “ethical framework and enduring commitment to compassionate end of life care provided within Catholic health”.
CHA also said any new legislation would have to take into account professionals in health care facilities run by a religious organisation that prohibit any form of intentional killing.
CHA CEO Pat Garcia said the organisation was pleased to have the chance to outline why it feels there is “no place” for voluntary assisted dying in society.
The Uniting Church in Queensland has also called for the axing of a plan to widen eligibility for VAD beyond what is allowed under Victoria’s benchmark euthanasia law.
Meanwhile, Tasmania’s Premier Peter Gutwein has publicly expressed his support for voluntary assisted dying laws being argued in the state’s Lower House.
Mr Gutwein previously voted three times against voluntary assisted dying legislation.
However, the Premier said he respected a person’s right to choose and after watching his father die from pancreatic cancer and his sister die from ovarian cancer, he will now support the bill.
