Australian immigration detention was introduced almost four decades ago. Since its introduction it has been condemned domestically and internationally, recognised as uniquely cruel and draconian in its approach toward asylum seekers and refugees. While for the most part, these policies have become increasingly punitive, advocates for change can also count a number of victories. This presentation will briefly discuss the history of advocacy and activism in response to Australian immigration detention and focus on the developments in response to the more recently introduced (and subsequently repealed) “Medevac” legislation; legislation which gave doctors greater power to evacuate unwell refugees from offshore locations to mainland Australia. While this legislation was repealed shortly after it was introduced, over 192 refugees were transferred to Australia. Almost all of those who were transferred had been detained for over seven years and were facing indefinite detention offshore. By March 2021, most of those who were transferred to Australia were given visas and moved to the Australian community. This presentation will outline the actions of lawyers, the healthcare community and the general public in demanding change, from protest to litigation and even civil disobedience, along with what lessons can be learnt from this action
