Doc aids asylum seekers
A GOLD COAST doctor has put his hand up to work on the controversial Medevac panel set to decide on the treatment of asylum seekers detained offshore.
Psychiatrist Professor Philip Morris, president of the Gold Coast Medical Association, has volunteered for one of the roles created by the federal parliament earlier this month.
The bill, which was passed by parliament against the government’s wishes, sets out an Independent Medical Advice Panel to decide on emergency medical transfers from offshore detention centres within specified limits.
The panel’s recommendation is then given to the Minister for Home Affairs who must either approve or refuse the transfer within 72 hours.
Professor Morris, who established Australia’s first national mental health rehabilitation program for veterans, said his history with trauma patients would be beneficial for the team.
“Various associations have sought out medical health professionals for the panel, so I applied,” Prof Morris said.
“I was interested because I have experience working with people who are exposed to or claim to have been exposed to traumatic experiences.”
Previously a member of the Queensland Compensation Commission (QComp) Medical Assessment Tribunal, and currently on the board of the Pacific Rim College of Psychiatrists, Prof Morris said he was in a position to offer assistance and assess damage caused.
“Many people have very genuine trauma from their time before they left their country or due to their time in detention, but clearly it is a situation where you need to have people who can identify and substantiate injury and medical need,” he said.
He denies there will be any issue working in such a highly politicised role and believed the panel would attract high-quality candidates, despite its voluntary nature.
”I have been involved in medical organisations ever since I was a student and am very aware of the way people can be pressured how to stick to the straight and narrow, the same way doctors must when assessing patients for other purposes such as insurance cases,” he said.