For nearly three years, a legal conflict has persisted in Australia regarding the use of telehealth services for voluntary assisted dying (VAD) consultations. Under current federal law, the use of telecommunications to 'incite or counsel' suicide is prohibited. Because VAD is categorized under these broad federal statutes, patients in remote or regional areas are often unable to access necessary medical consultations via phone or video link, forcing many to travel long distances to see practitioners in person.

Independent MP Kate Chaney previously attempted to amend these laws to create an exemption for VAD, but the bill lapsed without a vote. The issue has recently returned to the spotlight following a vote at the Labor national conference in July, where members supported repealing the restrictive law and allowing Labor MPs a conscience vote on the matter. Despite this internal party support, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has signaled that the government may not prioritize or progress these legislative changes through parliament at this time. Proponents of the change argue that the current law creates an unnecessary barrier to healthcare for terminally ill patients, while the government’s reluctance suggests a desire to avoid reopening sensitive debates surrounding the federal suicide prevention framework.