(Jane Dempster/AAP PHOTOS)Doctors are prevented from providing euthanasia services over the phone or via telehealth. (Jane Dempster/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAPAustralians seeking voluntary assisted dying care will have to keep travelling to in-person doctor visits after Labor shut down efforts to lift a ban on telehealth consultations. Medical practitioners face penalties of over $300,000 if they use a telephone, video conference or email to discuss voluntary assisted dying options, while prescriptions can't be emailed or texted to pharmacies or patients. It follows the Labor National Conference in July which saw the party's delegates agree that expanding telehealth options for voluntary assisted dying should be a conscience vote. Health Minister Mark Butler echoed concerns about using voluntary assisted dying services via the telehealth system.