PM opposes push for VAD telehealth consultations | Insiders | ABC NEWS
A Labor push to allow Australians to access voluntary assisted dying (VAD) through telehealth doesn’t have the personal support of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who fears it would undermine the system.
Mr Albanese is in favour of voluntary euthanasia but said he was “yet to be convinced” allowing people to consult with doctors via phone or video about the process was the right move.
The policy platform adopted at Labor’s 50th national conference included a commitment to expand VAD access to telehealth, while a pledge to always allow a conscience vote on the issue was enshrined in the party’s constitution.
Australia currently bans people from using telehealth for VAD consultations, with doctors facing fines of up to $300,000 for contravening the law.
Advocates have argued the restriction unfairly impacts Australians in remote and regional areas and welcomed the amendment to Labor’s platform pledging to remove “barriers” to accessing end-of-life care.
But Mr Albanese said it would be up to his cabinet, in consultation with the caucus, as to whether the matter was put before the parliament for a vote.
Note: In most cases, our captions are auto-generated.
#ABCNEWS #ABCNEWSAustralia
