Labor under pressure to allow telehealth access for euthanasia but PM says ‘it should be face-to-face’

Lead

A push within the Labor Party to allow Australians to access voluntary assisted dying through telehealth has divided opinion, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressing personal opposition to the proposal even as his party's national conference voted to support it.

The amendment, passed at Labor's 50th national conference in Adelaide, commits the party to "remove barriers that exist in federal law to the provision of end-of-life care (including via telehealth) as part of lawful access to voluntary assisted dying in the states and territories, while maintaining appropriate clinical safeguards." Delegates also voted to enshrine in the party's constitution a guarantee of a conscience vote on the issue.

Currently, Australia bans the use of telehealth for voluntary assisted dying (VAD) consultations, with doctors facing fines of up to $300,000 for contravening the law. The restriction, which dates from the Howard era, has been criticised by advocates who argue it disproportionately affects people in rural and remote areas who must travel long distances for in-person assessments.

Coverage comparison

Reports of the conference decision and the ensuing political debate vary in emphasis. ABC Australia's coverage highlighted the prime minister's personal concerns, characterising the proposal as a potential source of "misuse" that could "undermine the system." The Guardian's reporting framed the story as Labor coming "under pressure" to implement the policy, pointing to the Greens' and independent MP Kate Chaney's intentions to introduce legislation.

All reports agree that Albanese, while supporting voluntary assisted dying in principle, has reservations about the telehealth component. He told ABC TV's Insiders program that he was "yet to be convinced" about the appropriateness of phone or video consultations, stating: "I think someone ending their life is just as important. I think it should be face-to-face recognition and face-to-face engagement."

Coverage also noted that the conference decision is not binding on the government, with Albanese saying it would be up to cabinet and caucus to determine whether legislation is drafted. The party's platform is a set of policy principles, and changes are not always immediately reflected in government legislation, as The Guardian pointed out.

Key claims

• Albanese's opposition: The prime minister fears that allowing telehealth consultations for VAD would undermine the system. He said his concern is "the potential for misuse but also the potential it has to undermine the system itself." He affirmed his support for assisted dying, saying, "It is important that people have the right to die … with dignity," but stressed that "protections be placed around it."

• Current legal ban: Australia currently prohibits the use of telehealth for VAD consultations under the Commonwealth Criminal Code, which prohibits using a carriage service to promote or counsel on suicide. Doctors who contravene the law face fines of up to $300,000.

• Conference decision: The Labor conference voted to amend the party's platform to support a conscience vote on expanding accessibility to end-of-life care, including via telehealth. The amendment was described by advocacy group Go Gentle Australia's chief executive, Dr Linda Swan, as a "positive first step" toward equitable access to "compassionate and timely care."

• Concerns about elder abuse: Attorney-General Michelle Rowland expressed strong concerns at the conference about the risk of elder abuse and the potential for misuse if the ban is lifted. Reports quote her as highlighting these risks during the sensitive debate.

• Legislative pressure: Independent MP Kate Chaney has a private member's bill to remove the telehealth ban and has written to Rowland, with copies to Albanese and Leader of the House Tony Burke, saying she will seek a suspension of standing orders to bring the bill on for debate when parliament resumes. The Greens have also indicated they will introduce a private senator's bill to allow telehealth access to VAD, with Senator Sarah Hanson-Young saying she would move quickly.

Perspectives

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: Supports voluntary assisted dying in principle but opposes telehealth consultations, arguing that ending one's life deserves face-to-face engagement and warning of potential misuse. He respects differences of opinion, saying "I respect the fact that there are different views on this."

• Attorney-General Michelle Rowland: Expressed concerns about the risk of elder abuse if the telehealth ban is lifted, reflecting a cautious view within the government.

• Advocacy group Go Gentle Australia: Welcomed the conference vote, with CEO Dr Linda Swan calling it a "positive first step" and highlighting the barriers faced by terminally ill people in rural and regional areas who must travel long distances for in-person VAD assessments.

• Independent MP Kate Chaney: Has introduced a private member's bill to remove the ban and is pushing for a free vote, arguing that people are "enduring exhausting and painful travel to access VAD" and that every week the anomaly remains unaddressed is a week of needless suffering.

• The Greens: Senator Sarah Hanson-Young indicated the party will quickly introduce a private senator's bill to allow telehealth access to voluntary assisted dying, adding pressure on the government to act.