The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has urged the Government to support the Urgent Medical Treatment Bill to allow those in offshore detention to receive appropriate care when it is voted on in Parliament this week.
The Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2018 – commonly referred to as the Urgent Medical Treatment Bill – is set to be voted on by the House of Representatives in the first sitting week of Parliament, resuming on 12 February.
The APS backs the Bill, which will enable critically-ill people in offshore detention to be temporarily transferred to Australia for medical treatment at the request of doctors.
APS President Ros Knight said decisions about the mental healthcare of asylum seekers should lie in the hands of medical experts who are independent of Government.
“It’s clear the mental health crisis in offshore detention is not being dealt with by current policy that has denied many refugees access to treatment in Australia,” said Ms Knight. “The Government is failing in its duty of care to such vulnerable people.”
She continued: “This is a human rights issue. The Government has a responsibility to the health of all refugees in its care, and must prioritise their physical and mental health.”
Ms Knight said the proposed Bill will compel the government to transfer sick people to Australia for treatment.
“Decades of evidence shows psychological treatment is unlikely to be effective while refugees are still in detention,” said Ms Knight. “Detention actually increases trauma and causes new mental health problems.”
Data released late last year by Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) shows the extreme mental health decline of refugees on Nauru, including high rates of severe depression, anxiety disorders and PTSD.
Sixty five per cent of refugees seen by MSF, including children as young as 9, had thoughts of suicide, attempted suicide or engaged in self-harm.
The APS has long opposed offshore immigration detention and wants all refugees brought to Australia while their refugee claims are processed.
APS position statement: Psychological wellbeing of refugees and asylum seekers in Australia
For more information, or to arrange an interview call the APS Media team on 03 8662 3358 / 0435 896 444, or email. Find the APS Media team on Twitter: @AustPsych
The APS is the largest professional organisation for psychologists in Australia, representing more than 27,000 members. The APS is committed to advancing psychology as a discipline and profession. It spreads the message that psychologists make a difference to people’s lives, through improving psychological knowledge and community wellbeing.