Crossbench MPs celebrating after the medevac bill was passed in February 2019.
That hardline policy was undermined by the so-called"medevac law", passed against the government's wishes in March 2019, aimed at making it easier for refugees to secure a transfer to Australia. The Coalition government wants to wind back the medevac law, which it claims weakens Australia’s borders and national security, and is working to win the critical vote of independent senator Jacqui Lambie. The bill to repeal medevac passed the House of Representatives in July and is yet to come to a vote in the Senate.
Two members of the panel were set to travel to PNG last month, where they planned to inspect medical facilities and explore the lack of in-person interpreters available for people being transferred, especially those with mental health issues. Nauru and PNG are also acting as barriers to the medevac system, the report suggests. The panel raised its annoyance with the lack of movement from Nauru when it recommends a transfer.