Albanese faces internal clash over allowing telehealth for assisted dying

During last week’s Labor conference, members voted for an amendment that would allow telehealth in voluntary assisted dying (VAD) services, a decision that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese later said he disagreed with. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland raised strong objections on the floor, and the amendment would require changing the criminal code that currently bans using carriage services to promote or counsel suicide.

Independent MP Kate Chaney, a self-described teal, has drafted a private member’s bill to remove the ban, citing the hardship patients face traveling for VAD. Chaney has written to Rowland, Albanese and House leader Tony Burke, requesting a suspension of standing orders to introduce her bill when parliament sits next week. While she hopes for a free vote, the government retains the power to block the procedural request, and the bill would likely stall again in September if not advanced. The debate reflects a split within Labor, with Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledging party platform aspirations but leaving policy decisions to the cabinet, and other ministers such as Burke historically opposing euthanasia reforms.