South Australia pushes for telehealth in voluntary assisted dying

The state government defies federal law, demanding better access to VAD for terminally ill patients.

Told by Claire Lawson · 31 August 2026

South Australia's Labor government has taken a bold step by formally urging the Commonwealth to change federal laws that currently prevent doctors from using telehealth for voluntary assisted dying (VAD). In a recent letter addressed to Attorney-General Michelle Rowland, senior ministers from the Malinauskas government implored the federal government to act swiftly. This push comes weeks after the ALP national conference endorsed a motion to remove telehealth restrictions, although Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed personal opposition, citing concerns over potential coercion and elder abuse.

The existing provisions in the Commonwealth criminal code categorize VAD care as suicide, which imposes severe penalties on doctors who try to conduct VAD consultations via phone or video. This law disproportionately affects terminally ill patients in regional and rural areas, forcing them to undertake long journeys for consultations, sometimes resulting in them missing out on critical care before their condition deteriorates.

Boyer and state Attorney-General Kyam Maher co-signed the letter, which advocates for a targeted amendment to the definition of "suicide" in the criminal code, arguing it should explicitly exclude actions authorized under state VAD laws. This would align the federal code with contemporary healthcare practices and address inequalities between jurisdictions.

While some within the medical community, including the Australian Medical Association, support these changes, others caution against the potential risks. Concerns about elder abuse and the complexities of assessing coercion in remote consultations remain significant barriers. As the debate unfolds, South Australia's initiative may inspire other states to join the call for reform, potentially reshaping the landscape of VAD access in Australia.