- ALP National Conference votes to remove telehealth barriers to VAD care
- Work now to begin on a private member's bill to remove VAD from the purposes of the Commonwealth Criminal Code
- Removing telehealth barriers will support dying people wherever they live who are too sick, frail or physically unable to travel to in-person appointments
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.”
About us:
Go Gentle Australia was founded in 2016 by broadcaster Andrew Denton. We are a national charity that promotes and enables choice at the end of life, including the option of voluntary assisted dying.
Contact details:
[email protected] | 0426 283 865
