The federal government has set up an independent medical review panel to monitor transfers of asylum seekers to Australia and other countries, from regional processing centres.
The announcement comes ahead of parliament's vote on a bill to give doctors the authority to move refugees from detention to mainland medical facilities.
The coalition denies the timing and says the panel is a standalone policy to assure asylum seekers are getting adequate support.
The five-member panel consists of a nominee of the President of the Australian Medical Association, an expert with trauma and torture counselling experience, a professional nominated by the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer and two experts chosen by the Department's Chief Medical Officer.
Meanwhile…
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbot has told Macquarie Radio it threatens to undermine the government's entire offshore processing regime.
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