The Labor national conference, which concluded on 25 July, voted to repeal federal legislation that bans the use of telecommunications services for voluntary assisted dying (VAD) consultations. The conference also agreed to grant Labor MPs a conscience vote on the matter.
However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that the government might not advance the proposed changes through parliament. While supporting VAD, Mr Albanese believes that allowing telehealth for these consultations risks undermining proper medical safeguards.
Current criminal legislation, introduced in 2005 to address the promotion of suicide online, makes it unlawful for doctors to discuss many aspects of VAD with patients over the phone or internet. This legislation was not originally intended to apply to lawful VAD, which became legal in Australia more than a decade later. Australia is now the only country with laws preventing telehealth VAD consultations.
Independent MP Kate Chaney has been advocating for amendments to these federal laws since 2023. She highlights reports of patients in severe pain, particularly those in rural and regional areas, who face significant burdens in attending in-person VAD appointments. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) supports these proposed telehealth changes, viewing telehealth as a valuable complement to in-person care for VAD.
Concerns have been raised by Attorney General Michelle Rowland regarding the potential for vulnerable individuals to be coerced into telehealth consultations. However, Ms Chaney argues that existing checks and balances, along with Medical Board of Australia guidelines, would ensure appropriate telehealth use. She also notes that VAD doctors are legally required to discuss palliative care options with patients, a requirement that would remain with telehealth.