Dutton bullish about medevac repeal bill
Peter Dutton is sounding increasingly bullish about scrapping the controversial "medevac" laws when federal parliament returns next week.
The home affairs minister has been locked in long-running negotiations with the Senate cross bench to unwind the Labor-backed legislation, which gave doctors a greater say in granting medical transfers to sick refugees.
"I believe that we can get support for the medevac (repeal) bill but those discussions and negotiations continue," Mr Dutton told reporters in Brisbane on Friday.
Independent senator Jacqui Lambie, who will ultimately cast the deciding vote, has not yet declared her position.
As of Thursday afternoon, 169 people had been brought to Australia from offshore detention under the medevac laws.
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