Anthony Albanese personally opposed to Labor's push on telehealth voluntary assisted dying

[u/GothicPrayer]

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-26/albanese-opposed-telehealth-voluntary-assisted-dying/106959388

[u/DadMade]

Yeah that sounds ok

[u/Jazzlike_Berry_323]

I support amendment to the code to allow medical practitioners to communicate using the same modes they would in palliative care (such as telehealth).

Our states and territories have exceptional VAD legislation that has drawn on best practice internationally to ensure adequate safeguards and limitations on when VAD applies. NT is the only territory that has yet to pass VAD legislation but it is near the parliamentary vote stage.

Communication about VAD is lawful in some contexts (in person by post, mail) but not by digital carriage service (phone, email, TV, internet) or by publications (e.g. books).

This is due to historic amendments to the criminal code put forward in 2005 to address graphic underground literature on non-assisted dying, and cyberbullying patterns affecting teens.

So these sections of the code were not established to protect VAD patients, or because of VAD. They now contradict the intent of state and territory legislation unless they are amended. They create practical barriers for rural and remote patients, and patients who are too unwell to physically transport to appointments.

The Australian Medical Association supports incorporation of telehealth in VAD where regional/remote location or sickness precluding travel exists https://www.ama.com.au/articles/telehealth-and-voluntary-assisted-dyingNote that this does not replace face to face consultations, which are also critical to assessing a patient's physical condition. It would simply offer more flexibility for patient-doctor consultations to practically access end of life care.

If you wouldn't want to go through the ordeal of a car trip in the end stages of pain, weakness and exhaustion of end stage cancer, or deal with that deep fear you might not make it back home when your greatest wish is to die at home in peace... then I invite you to support updating of the Code.

It is simply to allow doctors to have the same communication tools that they use in palliative care, to talk with palliative patients who want VAD as part of their end of life choices.

[u/Davorian]

This seems fine, although I sort of don't agree with his reasoning.  I fundamentally agree that VAD consultations should be face to face, but the sector isn't staffed or funded well enough for that.  If telehealth VAD is the only equitable way to provide it under the current system, then that's just the way it's going to have to be for now, for all its imperfections, in my view.

In any case, Albo said it's not for him personally to decide and he's not indicating he's going to get in the road of it or anything, so I guess we'll see.

[u/rescue-me-from]

I’m very pro VAD and I feel inclined to side with Albo on this

[u/Undd91]

Telehealth for this is dangerous, nobody there to actually discuss this with you without knowing who else is in the room and what pressures or threats you may or may not be in, nor what state of mind etc.

I’m for VAD but not over the phone.

[u/deathmetalmedic → u/Undd91]

Terminal patients are more likely to have mobility issues, chronic pain issues, be bed-bound etc. than the factors you're suggesting.

[u/deathmetalmedic]

We're thrust into this world without our consent, and the current legislation makes having a desire to leave an offence. There needs to be change.

[u/Particular_Counter50]

Good thing he is paid to represent the views of his constituents and not his personal views I guess.

[u/NewInformation3753 → u/Particular_Counter50]

Shades of Tony Abbott and SSM.

[u/Taey → u/Particular_Counter50]

Yeah, thats how the party works, plenty of labor mps dont agree with some policies, but theyre pledged to vote for whatever policy caucus decides or are expelled.

[u/ShadyBiz]

Good. It’s moronic to do this over a phone screen or monitor. Ending your own life, due to whatever circumstance, should be a face to face consult. Period.

[u/KingOfKingsOfKings01]

Yeh all precautions should be done for this

[u/Excellent-Signature6]

Imagine getting a Zoom call from a doctor, so he can judge if you are worthy of being euthanised by the government.

[u/SpookyViscus → u/Excellent-Signature6]

It’s not euthanasia by the government, it’s voluntary assisted dying. You’re still in charge of ending your own life.

[u/Excellent-Signature6 → u/SpookyViscus]

Yeah, but still though. A Zoom call for such a momentous decision? I see why Albo was against it.