Broadbent rejects refugee bill

MEMBER for McMillan Russell Broadbent has rejected a parliamentary bill that would see refugees in offshore detention brought to the Australian mainland for medical treatment.
Mr Broadbent has crossed the floor twice in his career – the first time to vote against offshore detention and the second time to vote against same sex marriage.
He has long advocated for fairer treatment of Australia’s refugees, including the release of children from offshore detention.
The bill would make it easier to transfer people from Manus Island or Nauru, if two doctors agreed the patient should be moved for medical treatment.
The immigration minister would have the power to block the transfer if they believed it was unnecessary, or if they believed the person in question was a security threat.
Although the Senate passed the bill late last Thursday, persistent delaying tactics from the government, Cory Bernardi and Pauline Hanson, meant the bill passed too late to be voted on in the House, which was adjourned at 4:30pm.
It will again be before Parliament in early 2019.
“As a member of the Government I will continue to work with the Prime Minister and the Minister in ensuring refugees receive the medical treatment that they require,” Mr Broadbent told The Mirror.

Comments are closed.