Advocacy & Rights
Albanese faces pressure over telehealth for voluntary assisted dying
Advocacy & Rights
Albanese faces pressure over telehealth for voluntary assisted dying
Advocacy & RightsPolicy & Legislation
HelloCare · 6 min read · 2 days ago
Original source
Summarised by Stellar
Key points5 points
- Labor's national conference passed a resolution supporting telehealth for VAD, but it is non-binding on MPs.
- Kate Chaney's private member's bill would amend the Criminal Code to clarify that lawful VAD care is not suicide.
- PM Albanese opposes the change, arguing face-to-face engagement is necessary for safeguards.
- Cabinet is split: Attorney-General Rowland and Tony Burke oppose, while Health Minister Butler supports.
- The bill's progress depends on government allowing a vote; otherwise, it may stall until September.
Summary
The Labor conference endorsed telehealth for voluntary assisted dying (VAD), but PM Albanese opposes it, citing safety concerns. Crossbencher Kate Chaney is pushing a bill to amend the criminal code, which currently bans using carriage services for suicide-related counseling. The bill faces procedural hurdles, and cabinet is divided, with Health Minister Mark Butler supporting change. If passed, it would enable telehealth consultations for VAD, reducing travel burdens for patients. Providers should monitor this as it could affect service delivery models.