A new report by the panel of medical experts appointed by the Australian Government under the Medevac laws shows that the laws are working. The Medevac laws allow independent Australian doctors to recommend medical transfers for ill people detained offshore.

The Independent Health Advice Panel (Independent Panel) was established by the Medevac laws passed earlier this year. The Morrison Government today tabled the summary of the Panel’s report for the quarter ending 30 September 2019. In the three month period:

The Independent Panel reviewed 57 cases after the Minister initially refused them on the basis that transfer for medical treatment or assessment was not necessary.

The Independent Panel overturned the Minister’s decision and approved 13 of these cases for transfer.

The Independent Panel confirmed the Minister’s decision to refuse transfer in 45 cases.

The Minister approved 92 cases during the same time period without referring them to the Independent Panel, according to figures from the Medical Evacuation Response Group.

David Burke, Legal Director at the Human Rights Law Centre, said the report summary showed the Panel and the Medevac laws were working.

“This report summary exposes the Prime Minister’s baseless hysteria when opposing the Medevac laws and shows that the laws are working as intended. The Minister has approved many more transfers for sick people himself, without even needing to go to the Panel.”

“The Panel is providing reasonable, independent oversight of any refusals by the Minister. It is ensuring that when people need medical treatment, they are able to access it.”

“This is exactly how the Medevac laws are meant to work - by making sure that ultimately doctors make medical decisions, not politicians or bureaucrats.”

“The fact the Morrison Government is intending to repeal laws that are working speaks volumes about their cruelty. Repealing the Medevac laws would risk the lives of people held in Nauru and Papua New Guinea.”

The Independent Panel is currently constituted by 2 Government-appointed physicians including the Surgeon-General of the Australian Border Force and the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, and 5 independent physicians nominated by Australian medical colleges. The Panel is required to produce a report every quarter on its operations.

The Morrison Government is expected to table the full Independent Panel report tomorrow.

Media contact:

Michelle Bennett, Communications Director, Human Rights Law Centre, 0419 100 519