Immigrant health in Australia
[1] Since 1788, when the first British settlers arrived in Botany Bay, immigrants have travelled from across the world to establish a life in Australia.
The arrival of the Europeans in the 1800s, saw those from Italy, Greece, Poland, Malta, Russia and France land on the shores of Australia.
Reports by Mark Stainforth suggest that many forms of bacteria and viruses caused high levels of illness and on-board deaths among those European immigrants travelling to Australia.
[13] The migrants may experience a sense of alienation and lack of belonging as they are put in a situation that makes them feel like outcasts compared to the rest of Australia.
During this period, influenza, typhoid, scarlet fever and whopping cough were all found on European ships arriving in Australia.
As a result, an outbreak of smallpox occurred due to insufficient maintenance of the North Head Quarantine Station.
All candidates are checked for Tuberculosis, HIV and Hepatitis, Yellow fever, Polio and the Ebola virus disease (EVD).
In order to be allowed access into Australia, you must be cleared of all of these diseases and deemed to be no threat to Australian communities.
[6] The Medicare system in Australia is a publicly funded system that is designed to provide heavily subsidised costs for all Australians, including those foreign born immigrants who either have a citizenship, a working visa, a permanent visa, or one who is married to an Australian citizen.
[5] Cultural barriers felt by immigrants include the Australians perceptions of health as well as their behaviour when sick.
"[5][15] For those immigrants coming to Australia from non-English speaking backgrounds, communication barriers can influence one's health experience, whether it be negative or positive.
[5][13] The ABC (2003) stated that non-English speaking immigrants may say 'yes' in stressful situation in order to avoid further need for communication with healthcare services.
[5] This can have great impacts on the individual as they may not receive the help they need as a result, or they will choose not to contact health services as they are wary of the communication barriers and believe it is easier to avoid the situation.
As a result, many individuals are discouraged from visiting the services again, which can lead to the ill health of immigrants that are new to Australia.
[3] There are many risks associated with entering Australia via irregular means and considering the conditions of travel, the deterioration of persons on board is prevalent.
[3][18] Irregular immigrants are typically fleeing for their lives, so ascertaining a precise medical history is difficult for those processing their arrival.
It is stated that vaccinations will not be given to those who arrive in Australia as refugees or asylum seekers due to the individual or group of people's country of origin and the different immunisation schedules that they uphold.
Nevertheless, there is a competing principle to afford every immigrant and Australian citizen an equal opportunity to uphold their cultural beliefs.
The importance of protecting Australia's borders and integrity of Australia's immigration system was the initial reason for the policy,[20] while those who question the policy and Australian Government's decision argue whether it is good for both parties (the refugees and Australian citizens), stating that it is inhumane and ineffective as it is proven to cause further health issues for the refugees and asylum seekers.
[20] Several circumstances of self-harm, psychiatric problems and sexual, verbal and physical abuse of children were documented by Flood.
[20] The final report identifies and expresses concerns in regards to the condition of which the refugees and asylum seekers are living, as well the department's management of long-term detention and the impact this can have on young children.
[20] However, further studies prove that keeping such irregular immigrants in mandatory detention protects the Australian community whilst the legitimacy of the refugees and asylum seekers is being assessed.
[22] Those authorised officers within immigration detention centres are given the power to use force against asylum seekers and refugees.
The Australian Human Rights Commission recognises the environment of particular detention facilities and force may be essential in specific circumstances.
