Elder abuse concerns raised as Labor backs VAD telehealth

The Australian Labor Party (ALP) is moving to lift the ban on accessing voluntary assisted dying (VAD) through telehealth, a proposal that has drawn both support and warnings about unintended consequences for vulnerable Australians.

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remove barriers that exist in federal law to the provision of end-of-life care (including via telehealth) as part of lawful access to voluntary assisted dying in the states and territories, while maintaining appropriate clinical safeguards

Delegates at the ALP National Conference in Adelaide voted to amend the party's platform, supporting a conscience vote on expanding end-of-life care accessibility. This move aims to reduce barriers, particularly for individuals in regional and remote areas who face significant travel challenges for in-person VAD assessments. Dr. Linda Swan, CEO of advocacy group Go Gentle Australia, called the vote a "positive first step" toward equitable access to "compassionate and timely care."

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positive first step

However, Australia's Attorney-General has voiced concerns about the potential risk of elder abuse. While the amendment supports removing federal law restrictions that currently fine doctors up to $300,000 for discussing VAD via phone or video, it also emphasizes maintaining "appropriate clinical safeguards." Victorian Labor MP Ryan Bachelor argued that current laws hinder care and cause "unnecessary delays," calling the situation "inequitable" and "distressing."

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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.

Conversely, NSW state MP Sally Quinnell cautioned against gradually dismantling the safeguards that were in place when VAD was initially debated and adopted. She stressed the importance of in-person interaction, empathy, and careful listening, stating, "I think we all agree this is complex, nuanced and shouldn't be done over a Zoom call."

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Removing these barriers also supports dying people wherever they live who are too sick, frail or physically unable to travel to in-person appointments.