South Australian government defies Albanese, urges change to voluntary assisted dying telehealth laws
The South Australian government is challenging federal laws that restrict the use of telehealth for voluntary assisted dying services. State ministers argue these restrictions unfairly disadvantage patients in rural and remote areas who struggle to access face-to-face consultations.
Why it matters
This highlights a significant policy conflict between state and federal governments regarding end-of-life care and digital health access.
South Australian Health Minister Blair Boyer co-penned the letter. ( ABC News: Justin Hewitson )
South Australia's Labor government has openly defied the prime minister's position on telehealth in voluntary assisted dying (VAD), calling for urgent change to a federal law.
It comes weeks after the ALP national conference endorsed a motion committing Labor to removing telehealth restrictions, despite Anthony Albanese's own personal opposition.
The state government has called on the Commonwealth to amend the definition of "suicide" in the criminal code to exclude VAD care.
Link copied Share Share article South Australia has become the first state to formally urge the Commonwealth to change a federal law preventing doctors from using telehealth in voluntary assisted dying (VAD), openly defying the prime minister.
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