The ALP National Conference\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Go Gentle Australia\u2019s CEO Dr Linda Swan said: \u201cThis is a positive first step and Go Gentle looks forward to working with the government and all federal MPs on a private member\u2019s bill to remove these barriers to compassionate and timely care.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a practical and compassionate reform that will improve equity of access while preserving the safeguards contained in state and territory VAD laws,\u201d Dr Swan said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cRemoving these barriers also supports dying people wherever they live who are too sick, frail or physically unable to travel to in-person appointments.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will ensure patients receive appropriate care through the same secure telehealth systems used across other areas of health and end-of-life care.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe congratulate ALP delegates for being guided by evidence and doing what\u2019s right for dying Australians.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n