The ALP National Conference’s vote today to support the removal of federal legal barriers that prevent voluntary assisted dying (VAD) services via telehealth is a welcome step toward equity in end-of-life care for all Australians. 

Go Gentle Australia’s CEO Dr Linda Swan said: “This is a positive first step and Go Gentle looks forward to working with the government and all federal MPs on a private member’s bill to remove these barriers to compassionate and timely care.

“This is a practical and compassionate reform that will improve equity of access while preserving the safeguards contained in state and territory VAD laws,” Dr Swan said.

“The current Commonwealth Criminal Code restrictions impose unnecessary barriers, particularly for terminally ill people living in rural and regional Australia who may need to travel long distances to attend in-person VAD assessments.

“Removing these barriers also supports dying people wherever they live who are too sick, frail or physically unable to travel to in-person appointments. 

“It will ensure patients receive appropriate care through the same secure telehealth systems used across other areas of health and end-of-life care.

“We congratulate ALP delegates for being guided by evidence and doing what’s right for dying Australians.” 

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES