Justice Party to introduce two reforms to fix loopholes in Victoria’s current assisted dying framework

Doctors would be able to use telehealth services to consult on assisted dying under proposed changes to euthanasia laws.

Doctors would be able to use telehealth services to consult on assisted dying and the definition of a permanent resident altered under new changes to Victoria’s euthanasia laws to be floated by Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party.

Upper house MP Stuart Grimley will on Tuesday introduce proposed reforms to Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying laws with the aim of fixing loopholes identified in the current system.

Among these is a clarification that will allow doctors to consult with people about assisted dying via telehealth when face-to-face meetings are not practical.

As a further safeguard, the very first request to a specialist will still need to take place in person.

The Justice Party has flagged that federal laws make it illegal to “incite or counsel” a person about committing suicide online and that medical professionals believe these rules are affecting registered practitioners, particularly in regional Victoria.

The Victorian parliament will consider the changes. NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

A Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board report found about 36 per cent of applicants were from the regions from July to December 2020.

The other key proposal is the requirement that anyone accessing the program must have a permanent residency visa.

Mr Grimley will seek to alter these rules so that someone who has lived in Australia for at least three years can apply. 

Stuart Grimley MP, left with party Leader Derryn Hinch and Northern Victoria MP Tania Maxwell

“This Bill will encourage more regional and rural doctors and specialists to sign up to voluntary assisted dying care, with the threat of persecution from telehealth consultations all but removed,” he said.

“I am still encouraging the Federal Government to review their Criminal Code and ‘get with the times’ on this. 

“Voluntary euthanasia and telehealth are both part of our future and here to stay. 

“If you have lived in Australia for more than three years and for all intents and purposes are an Australian but don’t hold a permanent residency visa, you shouldn’t be stopped from accessing voluntary assisted dying.”