In a development signaling heightened political antagonism towards Catholic and Christian institutions in Australia, the government of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has proposed a mandatory takeover of Canberra’s Catholic-run Calvary Hospital. This action necessitated the introduction of a bill and a change in the law, an unparalleled step in Australian history. The law stipulates that the ACT government will seize control of the hospital on July 3, even before finalizing or issuing any compensation.
The sudden and drastic move is reportedly linked to the hospital’s historic pro-life stance and opposition to euthanasia. A recent ACT government investigation into abortion and reproductive rights deemed the hospital “problematic” due to its pronounced religious ethos. Despite the portrayal of the takeover as an administrative decision, critics argue that the extraordinary legislative maneuvers indicate a more deep-seated animosity.
Federal opposition leader, Peter Dutton, criticized the takeover, describing it as an ideologically motivated attack on religious institutions. Similarly, Father Tony Percy from the ACT’s Catholic diocese, termed the move “religious bigotry writ large,” warning that it could set a precedent for government seizure of other Christian-owned facilities.
The Archbishop of Canberra, Christopher Prowse, in a letter expressed shock at the news, voicing concerns that such government intervention might pose a threat to any faith-based enterprise. Additionally, Rob Norman, the Australian Christian Lobby’s ACT director, decried the “authoritarian” decision, comparing it to a “Soviet style takeover of non-Government assets.”
The takeover highlights two significant societal issues in Australia. First, it shows a disregard for Australia’s history, in which the Catholic Church established many care institutions, including Calvary, without government aid. Second, it reveals a misconception regarding the legal separation of Church and State in Australia. While the Constitution provides a Freedom of Religion clause, this only applies to the Commonwealth government and not the States. The ACT, as a territory, theoretically falls under federal control, but intervention from the left-wing Federal Labor government is unlikely. This suggests that Australian Christians holding onto their moral stances may increasingly find themselves in conflict with the state.