2026-07-26
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young will introduce a private senators bill in the August sitting period which will allow Australians to access voluntary assisted dying healthcare via Telehealth.
Quotes attributable to Greens Senator for South Australia Sarah Hanson-Young:
"This simple reform will remove unnecessary barriers and ensure Australians can access voluntary assisted dying with dignity, compassion and without having to travel hundreds of kilometres for care.
"No Australian should be denied compassionate end of life healthcare because of where they live. Whether you're in the city or the bush, everyone deserves equal access to voluntary assisted dying and essential care and medical advice.
"For people in regional and remote communities, telehealth isn't a luxury, it's often the only way to access essential healthcare. Medical advice and care regarding voluntary assisted dying should be no different.
"This reform is backed by advocates, doctors, health professionals and people with lived experience who understand just how important it is that VAD medical care is accessible to everyone.
"Just this week, Labor committed to expanding voluntary assisted dying through telehealth. Now they have the opportunity to turn those words into action by backing this bill and delivering the compassionate reform Australians deserve.
“We could have this law fixed by the end of the year if there is willingness across all sides of the Parliament to work together to get it done.
"The Prime Minister must not allow his personal opposition to stand in the way of compassionate healthcare. He must allow his Labor colleagues a conscience vote so Parliament can do what is right.
"This is not about politics. It's about making sure Australians at the end of their lives can access the medical care they have chosen with dignity, compassion and without further unnecessary pain and suffering.
"Australians have overwhelmingly supported voluntary assisted dying. Now we need to make sure these laws work for everyone.