Getup’s Barton Action Group campaigned outside Immigration Minister Coleman’s Revesby office in December 2018 to support Dr Kerryn Phelps bill to address a medical emergency.
The bill, now known as the Medevac bill, became law and gives the power for two independent doctors to order the transfer of sick patients from Nauru and Manus Island to Australia for urgent medical treatment.
The bill, now known as the Medevac bill, became law and gives the power for two independent doctors to order the transfer of sick patients from Nauru and Manus Island to Australia for urgent medical treatment.
Before the Medevac Bill,
- sick refugees were waiting an average of 2 years (in some cases up to 5 years) for transfer to Australia for medical treatment.
- 12 people died in offshore detention over the previous 5 years. Many of these deaths relate to treatable illnesses.
- In spite of the dire risks to life, the Australian government was spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in the courts attempting to stop medical transfers.
The government now wants to dismantle the Medevac bill, it will be considered in the Senate very soon and the vote will be very close.
The Medevac process has allowed 130 refugees and asylum seekers so far to access urgently needed medical care in Australia.
By supporting this rally you can join the call to demand parliament keep the Medevac Bill.
What: Save Medevac Rally
When: Saturday 9th November 2019, 2.00pm-4.00pm
Where: Sydney Town Hall Square, 1400 George St, Sydney 2000
Hope to see you there!
Mark and Barton's Refugee Group
