Anthony Albanese said he supported voluntary assisted dying access, but believed any discussions about the end-of-life measure should be conducted with health professionals face-to-face.
Labor delegates at the party's national conference in Adelaide recently enshrined a conscience vote on telehealth access in its platform, but the parliamentary team will decide when and how the policy is implemented.
The topic was the only issue debated on the floor of the triennial policy summit, with all other proposals supported unopposed.
The Greens and independent MP Kate Chaney are set to introduce legislation to try to force a vote when parliament returns in August.
Mr Albanese said a shift to telehealth voluntary assisted dying assessments risked undermining proper medical safeguards.
"It is important that people have the right to die with dignity, but it's also important that protections be placed around it," he told the ABC's Insiders program on Sunday.
"If someone has a heart attack, they need a doctor - they can't do that over telehealth - and I think that someone ending their life is just as important."
It would be up to cabinet to decide how the issue progressed in parliament, Mr Albanese said.
The issue is just the second to be granted a conscience vote in the party's platform after a similar approach to abortion legislation.
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said she would introduce a private member's bill on the telehealth issues in August, urging Mr Albanese not to allow his personal opposition to stand in the way of compassionate health care.
"For people in regional and remote communities, telehealth isn't a luxury - it's often the only way to access essential health care ... medical advice and care regarding voluntary assisted dying should be no different," she said.
Ms Chaney previously said she planned to reintroduce her private member's bill to bring in the telehealth change after Labor's rank and file sent a clear signal action was needed.
"This overdue change in Labor policy on voluntary assisted dying should mean an end to the needless suffering of people in the final stages of life, particularly for those in regional areas who are currently forced to travel, sometimes repeatedly, just to access lawful medical care," she said.
Voluntary assisted dying is legal in all states and the ACT, while the Northern Territory parliament is due to vote on legalising it in August.
The ban on telehealth being used for voluntary assisted dying consultations was introduced under the Howard government.
Doctors face fines of up to $300,000 for discussing euthanasia matters over the phone.
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
9°C