[Greens-Media] DIMIA must stop shopping around for doctors

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

DIMIA must stop shopping around for doctors
Deportation rules should be immediately reviewed

Australian Greens Senator Kerry Nettle called on the Department of
Immigration to immediately review its deportation policy after
revelations that Ms Agha died from a heart attack two days after being
declared fit to travel.

"I am very concerned that the Department of Immigration is deporting
people who are clearly unfit to travel," said Senator Nettle.

"If an elderly or frail person needs oxygen during the flight, then the
question has to be asked 'why on Earth is the department placing them in
that situation?'  

"Ms Vivian Solon was deported despite the Philippino Embassy writing to
the department, only two days prior to her deportation, to express their
concern for her health and ability to care for herself.

"This latest episode indicates that the departmental culture has not
changed one bit.

"The department must shake its culture of treating everyone with
suspicion, and start acting compassionately.

"Minister Vanstone must order an immediate review of this highly
questionable deportation policy.  

"The Minister should also consider her position.  How many more scandals
must there be before she takes responsibility for her department and
resigns or is sacked by the Prime Minister?"

Contact: Jon Edwards 0428 213 146