CHF is deeply concerned about the impact the Religious Discrimination Bill 2019 (the Bill) will have on access to essential healthcare services. In particular, we are concerned about provisions that prioritise the religious beliefs of healthcare workers over the healthcare needs of consumers, especially those consumers from vulnerable and marginalised communities who require sensitive and specialist health services.  

CHF supports providing protection from discrimination for people of faith, including people of no faith, but we believe this Bill goes too far and undermines existing anti-discrimination provisions by privileging religious expression over other values.

CHF is the national peak body representing the diverse interests of Australian healthcare consumers and those with an interest in health consumer affairs. CHF works to achieve safe, quality, timely healthcare for all Australians, supported by accessible health information and systems.

Read CHF's response to the second exposure draft of the Religious Discrimination Bill 2019  and associated amendments.