An open letter to PM Abbott: the choice of a lifetime

I believe in Jesus, but as a great prophet who understood the timeless universal principles of life – to love unconditionally without judgement, to live with compassion and gratitude, to give without expectation, and forgive others but most importantly of one's self.

While I have a great respect for the institution of the Church, has it lost its relevancy and relinquished any perceived moral superiority by their sexual abuse of innocent children and to then have the audacity to hide behind God's cloak?

Religion needs to rediscover its true original intent, find its spirit again, and teach in the language of unconditional love that resonate with the people and who are craving for its guidance.

And while I do not attend Church physically on a regular basis, I always endeavour to carry the concept of Church based on these universal principles. When we rediscover and reconnect with these gifts of spirit, we become empowered to make choices from a place of strength and wisdom.

I am not fearful of death. And I don't believe to end your life is sinful when you are suffering. When Jesus died on the cross, his act was one of redemption of all of humanity's sins. Our sins are already forgiven. There will be no judgement day. We have judged enough of others and ourselves in this life!

In fact, as a result of my health challenges, I realised we do not have to die to go to heaven, whatever your definition of heaven. Heaven is a state of Being rather than some place we must aspire to at the end of our lives. Make earth your heaven.

Strangely, I am grateful to my disease. In the midst of my physical disintegration, I have found contentment, peace of mind, a love for life and importantly of myself, and discovered the things that truly matter in life.

And it's not that support and care is lacking. The support my family and I are receiving is inspiring. The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a blessing. The carers, nurses, doctors and other mainstream and complementary medical practitioners in our circle of has enriched our lives and alleviated the stresses associated with the disease.

At times, our home is more like an international airport terminal, with the hustle and bustle of people coming and going. But we enjoy the friendships that have developed, the banter, and discussions on the meaning of life.

While once my focus was on materialistic goals, including being Prime Minister, today my goals are more holistic, including to grow old with my wife, to walk my daughter down the aisle on her wedding day, and to be a grandfather.

I support strict regulations that ensure only those individuals with a terminal or incurable illness, suffering unbearable pain, their quality of life profoundly affected, has the right and choice to legally end their life.

Safeguards can be implemented to protect those unable to protect themselves, for example, the individual to be of sound mind, and a request to die verified by three medical practitioners - a specialist with expertise in the field of the individual's condition, a psychiatrist to determine one's state of mental health, and an independent or the individual's GP.