Albanese under pressure over telehealth for assisted dying after Labor conference

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is under scrutiny following a Labor conference decision that supported the use of telehealth in voluntary assisted dying (VAD) care. Despite the amendment passing on the conference floor, Albanese has indicated his opposition to the move, which would require amending the criminal code that currently prohibits using communication services to promote suicide.

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People are enduring exhausting and painful travel to access VAD. Every week this anomaly remains unaddressed is a week in which that needless suffering continues.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland also voiced strong concerns about the proposal. Now, Albanese must decide whether to respect the Labor party's peak body's decision or defy it. The situation is further complicated by crossbencher Kate Chaney, a teal MP from Western Australia, who has a private member's bill ready to remove the ban on telehealth for VAD.

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The fix in my Bill is simple: an amendment to the Commonwealth Criminal Code to make clear that lawful VAD care is not suicide.

Chaney has written to Rowland, with copies to Albanese and Leader of the House Tony Burke, signaling her intent to seek a suspension of standing orders to bring her bill before parliament when it resumes. She argues that the current anomaly causes "exhausting and painful travel" for people seeking VAD and that her bill offers a simple fix by clarifying that lawful VAD care is not suicide. Chaney referenced a Labor conference resolution stating that any VAD decision is not binding on party members, requesting a free vote for Labor MPs.

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I would ask that the Government provide Labor Members the opportunity of a free vote that the National Conference has endorsed, for the Suspension of Standing orders and on the Bill itself.

Labor MPs may face a conscience vote if Chaney's bill reaches a vote, but the government could block the move by refusing to allow the suspension of standing orders. Chaney's next opportunity to present her bill would be in September, though private members' bills often languish without government support. Despite suggestions to approach the issue cautiously, Chaney appears inclined to act while the momentum is high. Albanese, however, has signaled a desire to maintain tight control over the issue, stating his support for voluntary euthanasia but stressing the importance of safeguards.

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I'm a supporter of voluntary euthanasia. But it's also important that protections be placed around it. Now, if someone has a heart attack or an acute health conditio