Gold Coast doctor applies for controversial Medevac panel

A Gold Coast doctor has put his hand up to work on the controversial Medevac panel set to decide on the treatment of asylum seekers detained off shore.

A GOLD COAST doctor has put his hand up to work on the controversial Medevac panel set to decide on the treatment of asylum seekers detained off shore.

Psychiatrist Professor Philip Morris the current president of the Gold Coast Medical Association has volunteered for one of the roles created by the federal parliament earlier this month.

He strongly believes in the ability of medical professionals to remain neutral in even the most charged political situations.

The bill which was passed by parliament against the liberal Government’s wishes sets out an Independent Medical Advice Panel to decide on emergency medical transfers from off shore detention centres within specified limits.

Professor Philip Morris believes in the ablity of medical professionals to remain neutral in even the most charged political situations.in

The panel’s recommendation is then given to the Minister for Home Affairs who must either approve or refuse the transfer within 72 hours.

Professor Morris who had established Australia’s first national mental health rehabilitation program for veterans said his history with trauma patients would be beneficial for the team.

“Various associations have sought out medical health professionals for the panel, so I applied,” Prof Morris said.

“I was interested because I have experience working with people who are exposed to or claim have been exposed to traumatic experiences.”

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Previously a member of the Queensland Compensation Commission (Q-Comp) Medical Assessment Tribunal, and currently on the board of the Pacific Rim College of Psychiatrists Professor Morris said he was in a position to offer assistance and assess damage caused.

“Many people have very genuine trauma from their time before they left their country or due to their time in detention, but clearly it is a situation where you need to have people who can identify and substantiate injury and medical need,” he said.

Prof Morris has worked with trauma patients in the past. SUPPLIED PIC

He denies there will be any issue working in such a highly politicised role and believed the panel will attract high quality candidates, despite its voluntary nature.

”I have been involved in medical organisations ever since I was a student and am very aware of the way people can be pressured... the same way doctors must when assessing patient for other purposes such as insurance cases.”

No shrinking violet Professor Morris has long been an independent advocate for the medical profession and believes strongly in advocacy without political bias — and sees the role as no different to any other.

“I think the public wants to see their doctors expressing their views on behalf of the profession independent and for the patients,” he said.

“Unless you are independent you can’t call out the issues without fear or favour.”

Originally from Sydney Professor Morris is a leading expert in psychogeriatrics.

He will be standing for re-election as the QCMA president in the AGM in March this year.