John Pasquarelli should check his facts on refugee health checks
Letter to the Editor – Melbourne Observer
13 December
Dear Sir/Madam
John Pasquarelli claimed that “$500 million a year was spent resettling thousands of Sudanese refugees” brought to Australia in 2004 and that “only 37 per cent were medically checked”.
Both these assertions are wrong.
The assertion that only 37 per cent of Sudanese who arrive in Australia are medically checked, is just plain untrue.
What is the basis for this statistic?
Australia has one of the most stringent health screening requirements in the world. In fact, 100 per cent of humanitarian entrants undergo a vigorous health screening test before they are granted a visa to Australia.
This is a comprehensive examination where potential entrants are screened for TB, HIV and any other significant conditions.
In addition to the test prior to visa grant, additional pre-departure health screening 72 hours before travel for active communicable diseases, general health status and the client’s fitness has also been introduced for humanitarian entrants from Africa and Thailand.
In the event that some humanitarian entrants face health concerns after they arrive in Australia, they are addressed quickly.
We already have a multi-layered strategy in place to ensure adequate screening and treatment procedures, where each individual is treated on a case by case basis.
Mr Pasquarelli could have ascertained all of this with a simple call to my office.
Sandi Logan
National Communications Manager
Department of Immigration and Citizenship