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Coalition disbands advisory group on asylum seeker healthcare Coalition disbands advisory group on asylum seeker healthcare
(35 minutes later)
The Abbott government has disbanded the independent, expert medical group tasked with giving advice on policy affecting the medical and psychological wellbeing of asylum seekers in detention.The Abbott government has disbanded the independent, expert medical group tasked with giving advice on policy affecting the medical and psychological wellbeing of asylum seekers in detention.
The Independent Health Advisory Group (IHAG) was created seven years ago and was responsible for a number of key policy initiatives for the provision of healthcare to asylum seekers.The Independent Health Advisory Group (IHAG) was created seven years ago and was responsible for a number of key policy initiatives for the provision of healthcare to asylum seekers.
Members of the group were informed of the decision by letter, late on Friday.Members of the group were informed of the decision by letter, late on Friday.
Guardian Australia has received a copy of the letter, signed by acting secretary of the department for immigration and border protection, Martin Bowles. Guardian Australia has received a copy of the letter, signed by acting secretary of the Department for Immigration and Border Protection, Martin Bowles.
It states: “As you would know the, the policy and operational work of this department has been particularly demanding and challenging for some time. The fast pace of change and implementation of government policy has meant the department has to respond very quickly to our ever changing environment.It states: “As you would know the, the policy and operational work of this department has been particularly demanding and challenging for some time. The fast pace of change and implementation of government policy has meant the department has to respond very quickly to our ever changing environment.
“I have concluded that a large representative body such as IHAG is less well equipped to do this than an alternative panel capability that is able to respond to particular issues under consideration often within tight timelines …”“I have concluded that a large representative body such as IHAG is less well equipped to do this than an alternative panel capability that is able to respond to particular issues under consideration often within tight timelines …”
The Coalition government has hardened Australia’s stance on asylum seekers arriving by boat under the military-led operation, which it code-named “Sovereign Borders”. Under the new government, asylum seekers arriving on Christmas Island are supposed to be medically assessed within 48 hours before being sent offshore. This policy in particular has received widespread criticism from medical experts who argue the short turnaround time does not allow for adequate psychological and medical assessment.The Coalition government has hardened Australia’s stance on asylum seekers arriving by boat under the military-led operation, which it code-named “Sovereign Borders”. Under the new government, asylum seekers arriving on Christmas Island are supposed to be medically assessed within 48 hours before being sent offshore. This policy in particular has received widespread criticism from medical experts who argue the short turnaround time does not allow for adequate psychological and medical assessment.
Guardian Australia understands IHAG were not consulted on the 48-hour turnaround target and have had a number of departmental meetings cancelled at short notice since the new government’s election.Guardian Australia understands IHAG were not consulted on the 48-hour turnaround target and have had a number of departmental meetings cancelled at short notice since the new government’s election.
In its seven year history IHAG has provided the immigration department with advice in a number of key areas. It helped develop improved mental health screening policies, age determination testing, and reviewed the department’s protocol on suicide and self harm in detention.In its seven year history IHAG has provided the immigration department with advice in a number of key areas. It helped develop improved mental health screening policies, age determination testing, and reviewed the department’s protocol on suicide and self harm in detention.
Speaking on Monday morning, the prime minister, Tony Abbott, described reports of IHAG’s disbandment as “a complete beat up”.Speaking on Monday morning, the prime minister, Tony Abbott, described reports of IHAG’s disbandment as “a complete beat up”.
He told ABC radio: “There was a committee that was not very effectual and the chairman of the committee is now the departmental medical officer who is providing advice in a more sustained way.”He told ABC radio: “There was a committee that was not very effectual and the chairman of the committee is now the departmental medical officer who is providing advice in a more sustained way.”
The letter from Bowles reveals that the current chair of IHAG, Dr Paul Alexander has been appointed as the independent health advisor to the department in a streamlined and scaled back health advisory formation.The letter from Bowles reveals that the current chair of IHAG, Dr Paul Alexander has been appointed as the independent health advisor to the department in a streamlined and scaled back health advisory formation.
The letter says that Dr Alexander will be supported by “additional medical/clinical expertise” and will have access to “specialist individuals and expert panels”.The letter says that Dr Alexander will be supported by “additional medical/clinical expertise” and will have access to “specialist individuals and expert panels”.
Dr Gillian Singleton, a member of the now defunct IHAG, told Guardian Australia that Abbott’s comments were “very disappointing”.Dr Gillian Singleton, a member of the now defunct IHAG, told Guardian Australia that Abbott’s comments were “very disappointing”.
“As health professionals we worked to improve outcomes for people in detention, providing solid, expert advice. We often looked at things differently to the private, for profit, medical services provider and gave independent advice to the department.“As health professionals we worked to improve outcomes for people in detention, providing solid, expert advice. We often looked at things differently to the private, for profit, medical services provider and gave independent advice to the department.
“Some of the most important work was done by the mental health subgroup who helped bring in some really important policy.”“Some of the most important work was done by the mental health subgroup who helped bring in some really important policy.”
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