Release of children and their families from detention an urgent priority

11 October 2015

RACGP President Dr Frank R Jones has joined the call by the Royal Children's Hospital to remove children from immigration detention.

Dr Jones today called on the Government to remove children and their families from detention centres and release them into the Australian community, as a matter of urgent priority.

The RACGP recommends the standard model of care be one of community residence, where families are kept together and are given access to appropriate medical services. Strong integration of primary care into the overall healthcare of these children is critical to their long term health outcomes.

GPs working in these centres find themselves in ethically challenging environments. 

Immediate action is required to prevent any further unnecessary harm to these children.

The RACGP will continue to advocate for GPs working in these centres, as well as for those who are detained.