The Australia Institute surveyed a representative sample of 1,008 people in New South Wales about their views on voluntary assisted dying (VAD), also known as voluntary euthanasia.

The results show high support for legalising voluntary assisted dying in NSW, and for treating the vote on VAD legislation as a matter of personal conscience rather than a matter of party policy.

Key findings

• Two in three (65%) people in NSW think the vote on voluntary assisted dying should be treated as a matter of personal conscience. Just 14% thinking it should be a matter of party policy.
• Two in three (64%) Catholics in NSW support legalising voluntary assisted dying, 19% oppose. Meanwhile, 79% of Anglicans in NSW support legalising voluntary assisted dying, and 81% of those of no religion.
• Twice as many voters (44%) say they would be less likely to vote for the Liberal Party if they did not allow a conscience vote on voluntary assisted dying legislation, than those who say they would be more likely to do so (22%).
• The vast majority of voters across all age groups support the legalisation of voluntary assisted dying. With 66% support for 18-29 and 30-39 year olds, and 77% support from 50-59 year olds.