GPs will be free to initiate discussions about voluntary assisted dying during consultations under draft laws that will axe Victoria’s so-called gag clause.

Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas introduced amendments to the state’s voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws on Tuesday so doctors would no longer face possible AHPRA referral if they told terminally ill patients that VAD was an option.

“We’ve listened to doctors who have told us they want to have open, honest conversations with patients about all their end-of-life options, so they can make safe and informed decisions,” Ms Thomas said.

However, if the laws pass, doctors could be penalised for refusing to help patients seeking VAD.