Decision to scrap lock out laws sends the wrong signal
November 28, 2019AMA (NSW) President: report shows a health system in a critical condition
December 11, 2019AMA (NSW) President, Dr Kean-Seng Lim, says the Federal Government’s vote to repeal the medevac laws and Senator Jacqui Lambie’s support are deeply unfair to people in need.
“The medevac laws were there to ensure that very sick asylum seekers, who could not get the care they needed in offshore detention, were able to access it here in Australia.
“I find it very difficult to believe that a majority of people in government seem to think that people they are responsible for should not have access to medical care when they need it.
“The cruelty inherent in repealing the medevac laws is a betrayal of people in need,” Dr Lim said.
“The medevac laws were a sensible response to the Government’s border protection policy.
“There are times that the sort of specialist care needed for a patient would simply not be present on Nauru or Manus Island.
“The Australian Government is responsible for the wellbeing of the people in immigration detention.
“Denying them care when they need it is abhorrent,” Dr Lim said.
Media contact: Lachlan Jones 0419 402 955