World Doctors oppose Abbott gag laws

World Medical Association president Dr Xavier Deau and chair Dr Ardis Hoven have now written to Abbott, saying the new act silences physicians who raise concerns about health conditions for asylum seekers.

The letter says: “This we must assume extends to doctors working in refugee centres who report on their observations arising from their work.

“This is in striking conflict with basic principles of medical ethics. Physicians have to raise their voice, if necessary publicly, when health conditions of their patients, be those free or in detention, are unacceptable. From the incoming reports we must assume that this is the case in the detention centres under the responsibility of the Australian government. We applaud and support those colleagues who advocate for their patients and speak out.”

On Thursday, the Australian Medical Association national conference called on the government to amend the legislation to provide a clear public interest exemption for disclosures.
Deau added: “This is effectively an attempt by the Australian government to gag physicians by making their advocacy for the healthcare of asylum seekers in Australian detention camps a criminal offence. Such a procedure is not acceptable”.