Labor national conference backs use of telehealth in voluntary assisted dying care

The Australian Labor Party’s 50th national conference in Adelaide concluded with a mix of controlled decorum and subtle political maneuvering, reflecting the party’s evolving internal dynamics under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The three-day event, held from July 22 to July 24, 2026, saw the party largely eschew the fiery debates and ideological clashes that once defined its gatherings. Instead, the focus shifted toward consolidating policy positions and reinforcing unity ahead of upcoming elections. The conference, hosted at the Adelaide Convention Centre, drew thousands of delegates, including union representatives, local politicians, and party loyalists, many of whom paid a $135 fee to attend the gala dinners. One of the most memorable moments occurred on the final evening, when Albanese, known for his sharp wit and political acumen, found himself momentarily stranded on an escalator. His exasperated reaction, complete with a muttered expletive, was captured on video and quickly went viral. Though brief, the incident underscored the prime minister’s apparent command over the proceedings, even in the face of minor disruptions. Albanese later quipped about the moment, referencing former leader Mark Latham’s infamous 2004 slogan, “the ladder of opportunity,” suggesting that the party had moved beyond such contentious rhetoric. He also remarked that the party could now “laugh about making him leader,” a nod to the challenges he faced early in his tenure. Despite the light-hearted tone, the conference was marked by serious discussions on key policy issues. One of the most notable developments was the passage of an amendment supporting the use of telehealth in voluntary assisted dying care. The amendment, which was the only contested motion of the conference, aimed to remove legal barriers preventing doctors from providing end-of-life consultations remotely. The proposal, moved by Victorian Legislative Councillor Ryan Batchelor, highlighted concerns about accessibility for residents in rural and remote areas. Supporters argued that current laws hindered timely care, while opponents, including New South Wales MP Sally Quinnell, warned that telehealth lacked the personal touch essential for sensitive medical decisions. The amendment passed on a voice vote, with only one delegate opposing it. Following its approval, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland introduced a motion calling for open debate on voluntary assisted dying within the party, though she emphasized that any decisions would not be binding on individual members. This move reflected ongoing tensions within the party, particularly between pro-choice advocates and those advocating for stricter regulations. Meanwhile, Trade Minister Don Farrell, representing the party’s right wing, reiterated his opposition to telehealth in such contexts, stressing that the issue should remain subject to a conscience vote if it ever reached Parliament. Another point of contention emerged regarding the Gaza conflict. Backbench MP Ed Husic attempted to introduce a resolution calling for a more assertive stance on Palestine, but his efforts were met with resistance. Husic, who has positioned himself as a reformer pushing for changes to policies on Israel-Gaza relations, found little support among senior party figures. His resolution, which included calls for recognition of Palestinian statehood and a review of Australia’s foreign policy, failed to gain enough backing. Husic, now a prominent figure outside the mainstream, expressed frustration over the lack of consensus, noting that disagreement within the party must be handled with respect and collaboration. Throughout the conference, the influence of trade unions remained evident. ACTU Secretary Sally McManus delivered a speech praising the Albanese government’s record on worker protections, citing recent legislative reforms that improved workplace rights and contributed to modest wage growth. However, she also acknowledged growing concerns over rising costs and stagnant incomes, warning that without sustained action, workers’ gains could erode. These sentiments echoed broader anxieties within the labor movement, which continues to play a central role in shaping the party’s agenda. As the conference drew to a close, expectations remained high for major announcements on the second day, though specifics were not yet disclosed. With the party poised to enter a critical phase of campaigning, the Adelaide gathering served as both a reaffirmation of unity and a stage for subtle shifts in direction. The balance between tradition and modernity, control and openness, will likely continue to define the Labor Party’s trajectory in the months ahead.