ORANGE doctors have already begun getting feedback from their patients following their recent public stance against the government’s threat to prosecute doctors who report on abuse of refugees in detention centres.
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Member for Calare John Cobb has issued a statement in response to a petition from Orange doctors with 100 names, sent to his office.
However spokesperson for the Orange doctors supporting their colleagues Australia wide, Doctor Clair Whelan said Mr Cobb has not personally addressed their concerns.
“When we do hear from Mr Cobb we will be seeking further discussions,” Dr Whelan said.
In a written statement Mr Cobb said claims the Australian border force act 2015 will prevent individuals from speaking out about matters of public interest relating to immigration detention centres, or from reporting cases of child abuse, are factually incorrect and highly misleading.
“I understand their [doctors] concern but it needs to be made clear the act does not interfere with mandatory reporting of health and wellbeing issues of any patient, rather ensures the right steps are taken when genuine concerns are raised,” Mr Cobb said.
Dr Whelan said she and her colleagues believe Mr Cobb is simply repeating the comments made by Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Peter Dutton.
“I don’t think he has done any of his own investigation into this important issue,” Dr Whelan said.
“From my experience and my colleagues’ experiences patients have already started to give us feedback and tell us the government’s policy is wrong,” Dr Whelan said.
While Mr Cobb said the act is about ensuring operational security and ensuring sovereignty is not compromised, Dr Whelan said the fact the Law Council of Australia has now expressed concerns about discrepancies in the legislation in support of nationwide medical bodies such as the Australian Medical Association, is evidence the government needs to review its policy.
“Doctors believe this border act is the thin end of the wedge and the government is planning further erosions of our ethics,” she said.
“While none of the doctors from Orange have worked in a detention centre or intend to in the near future, our recent gathering was a show of solidarity for our medical colleagues across the country,” Dr Whelan said.
Mr Cobb said “misinformation has generated unnecessary concern for doctors in the electorate.”
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au
