Australians in end-of-life agony can't always see a doctor. Telehealth can help them die with dignity | Andrew Denton
News Source
β’Tue, 28 Jul 2026 03:26:17 GMT
π° What Happened
Andrew Denton argues that Australians suffering at the end of life cannot always access a doctor in person, and telehealth should be allowed for voluntary assisted dying (VAD). A federal law currently prohibits doctors from using telehealth for VAD, risking prosecution and fines of $300,000.
At the ALP national conference, delegates changed Labor's platform to support removing federal barriers to VAD, including telehealth. However, Prime Minister Albanese said he remains personally unconvinced about telehealth, fearing misuse. Denton argues that a conscience vote that never reaches parliament is no conscience vote at all.
π The Backstory
Voluntary assisted dying has been legalised in all Australian states, but federal law criminalises the use of telehealth for VAD consultations. This creates problems for rural and remote Australians who may not have a VAD-participating doctor nearby. The Commonwealth law dates back to 2005.
Andrew Denton is a prominent VAD advocate after his father's difficult end-of-life experience. The ALP conference vote was a significant step, but the PM's reluctance means the issue may not reach a parliamentary vote despite the party platform change.
π― Why It Matters
If you live in regional Australia and face a terminal illness, this issue affects your ability to access VAD. Without telehealth, people in pain may suffer longer because they can't see a VAD-participating doctor.
Andrew Denton argues that Australians suffering at the end of life cannot always access a doctor in person, and telehealth should be allowed for voluntary assisted dying (VAD). A federal law currently prohibits doctors from using telehealth for VAD, risking prosecution and fines of $300,000.
At the ALP national conference, delegates changed Labor's platform to support removing federal barriers to VAD, including telehealth. However, Prime Minister Albanese said he remains personally unconvinced about telehealth, fearing misuse. Denton argues that a conscience vote that never reaches parliament is no conscience vote at all.
Voluntary assisted dying has been legalised in all Australian states, but federal law criminalises the use of telehealth for VAD consultations. This creates problems for rural and remote Australians who may not have a VAD-participating doctor nearby. The Commonwealth law dates back to 2005.
Andrew Denton is a prominent VAD advocate after his father's difficult end-of-life experience. The ALP conference vote was a significant step, but the PM's reluctance means the issue may not reach a parliamentary vote despite the party platform change.
If you live in regional Australia and face a terminal illness, this issue affects your ability to access VAD. Without telehealth, people in pain may suffer longer because they can't see a VAD-participating doctor.