Medevac protesters take the street in Cairns

Cairns protesters opposing the repealing of the Federal Governments’ offshore detention medevac bill joined co-ordinated national action against the law slated for discussion by the Senate.

Protesters voice their objection outside the Cairns Hospital to the planned repealing of the federal medevac Bill. Picture: SUPPLIED

• ‘Medevac’ supporters take to the streets
• Crunch time for ‘medevac’ negotiations

CAIRNS protesters opposing the proposed repealing of the Federal Government’s offshore detention medevac Bill joined co-ordinated national action against the law slated for discussion by the Senate.

Members of Cairns for Refugees assembled out the front of the Cairns Hospital yesterday holding signs to raise awareness of the Bill which passed the House of Representatives in July.

Group spokesman Jonathan Strauss said without the support of Senator Jacqui Lambie the Bill was unlikely to be put to a vote in the Senate.

“We do think this public campaigning is an important factor in the debate,” he said.

Cairns for Refugees member Brynn Matthews said the group rallied to stop the government returning decisions on medical evacuation transfers to home affairs minister Peter Dutton. “(He has) proven again and again that he lacks the most basic human compassion,” he said.

Mr Matthews described the Bill as “cruel and unnecessary”.

The group video-linked to the Rural Australians for Refugees vigil in Canberra.

Originally published as Medevac protesters take the street in Cairns