Question regarding discussions between Commonwealth and WA departments on the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2019 and its interaction with the Commonwealth Criminal Code, specifically concerning telehealth use. The answer indicates no meeting occurred and telehealth will be used within Commonwealth law.

AnsweredQoN 2955Legislative Council
Asked
19 May 2020
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to Hon Martin Aldridge’s question without notice 2868 and tabled paper 3859, and I ask: (a) did a meeting take place between a member of the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department and the Western Australian Department of Health to discuss the interactions, if any, between the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2019 and sections 474.29A and 474.29B of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); (b) if yes to (a), on what date did this meeting take place; (c) what advice was provided by the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department to the Western Australian Department of Health; and (d) the Minister has advised that he has been ‘able to make a final decision’ about the use of telehealth under the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2019 : (i) what is this final decision; and (ii) how does it impact upon the provision of Voluntary Assisted Dying in Western Australia, particularly in rural and remote areas of the State?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
23 June 2020
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Health
Response time
9 days
I am advised that:
(a) No.
(b)-(c) Not applicable.
(d) (i) The State will use telehealth to the extent that it does not breach the Commonwealth Criminal Code provisions.
(ii) This matter is being explored as part of the implementation process.  The methods used will be appropriate for those who wish to access the scheme.

Explore WA Government Data

Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.

Explore more