“The recently-returned Morrison government does not have a clear mandate from the Australian people for its repeal,” she said.

“The Medevac Bill was designed to ensure that people subject to offshore processing who are assessed as requiring medical treatment by two or more doctors are transferred to Australia so they can access the treatment they need.”

These legislative measures, Ms Weste continued, “were and remain necessary because the government has repeatedly failed to take the action that medical evidence demands” for adequate care of those in offshore detention.

“Offshore processing has created inhumane and dangerous conditions that have caused significant mental and physical damage to individuals. Twelve people have lost their lives, including eight people who have died as a result of suicide and inadequate healthcare,” she explained.

“ALHR has grave fears that this number will continue to rise should the government move to repeal the Medivac Bill.”

Instead of “demonising people who have already suffered for many years and who are entitled to seek Australia’s protection” under international human rights law, Ms Weste argued, the Morrison government should be focused on preventing any more deaths as a result of offshore processing, she said.

“ALHR continues its call for the government to bring every person transferred to Manus Island and Nauru to safety, and we do so again, noting the inhumane and dangerous conditions created by offshore processing.”

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