Federal Government

Saturday, 25 July 2026, 4:46 am

Saturday, 25 July 2026, 6:12 am

Many people at the conference think that end-of-life decisions should be made in person, not online.

In short:

Labor Party members have agreed to vote on whether to allow telehealth for voluntary assisted dying.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland is not sure this is a good idea and wants more evidence and safeguards.

What's next?

Any changes to the law will need to be approved by the government and parliament.

The Labor Party wants to make it easier for people to get end-of-life care, but some people are worried about the risks.

An advocacy group is happy about the decision, but the Attorney-General is concerned about elder abuse.

The Labor Party voted to change its policy to support telehealth for end-of-life care.

There is a law that stops doctors from discussing voluntary assisted dying online, but telehealth is now a common part of healthcare.

In Australia, people are not allowed to use telehealth for voluntary assisted dying consultations.

The Labor Party wants to remove the barriers that stop people from getting end-of-life care, including telehealth.

The party also agreed to always allow a conscience vote on the issue of voluntary assisted dying.

VAD amendment welcomed by advocates

The head of an advocacy group said the vote was a positive step towards equal access to care.

The current laws make it hard for people in rural areas to get the care they need.

A Labor MP said the changes are aimed at removing an old law that bans the use of electronic communication for VAD.

These laws cause delays and distress, and must be changed.

Sally Quinnell warned against removing the safeguards around VAD.

She said that when VAD was first discussed, there were promises of strong safeguards.

Now, she is worried that those safeguards are being removed.

I think we all agree that this is a complex issue and should not be done online.

Rowland 'not convinced' by VAD telehealth

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland supports a conscience vote on VAD, but is not sure about telehealth.

She wants to make sure that any changes are accompanied by evidence and safeguards.

Ms Rowland needs to consider the wider implications of changing the law.

There are laws that stop people from encouraging suicide online.

These laws are in place to protect vulnerable people.

Ms Rowland said that the number of cases of incitement to suicide is increasing.

AI is making it easier for people to encourage self-harm online.

Ms Rowland is also worried about elder abuse and the influence of vulnerable older people.

This is an issue that she takes very seriously.

She thinks that any changes to the law must be supported by strong evidence and safeguards.

Labor deals on gambling and dental in Medicare

The VAD debate was the most contentious issue at the conference.

Other amendments to the party's policy were agreed on.

A resolution was passed to strengthen the powers of national regulators.

The ABC reported on a push to toughen Labor's stance on gambling.

Labor members and unions are preparing to debate gambling, gas, and AI.

The government did not establish a national gambling regulator.

Delegates supported an amendment to include dental health in Medicare.

The final day of the conference will cover international and defence issues.

Party figures do not expect a debate on the AUKUS pact.

See more ABC coverage

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