The Federal Government has announced the formation of the new Immigration Health Advisory Group (IHAG) that will be responsible for providing independent health advice to asylum seekers and newly settled humanitarian entrants.

The Immigration Health Advisory Group (IHAG) members, led by former Defence Force medical officer Dr Paul Alexander AO, include expert medical professionals, psychiatrists, psychologists and GPs, as well as advocates and officials.

“IHAG will have a broader scope than the former Detention Health Advisory Group [DeHAG] which was instrumental in facilitating improvements in health care for people in detention,” a departmental spokesman said.

The spokesman said the new group would not only advise on the needs of people in detention but also on the health of asylum seekers in the community, as well as recent humanitarian visa holders.

DIAC Secretary Martin Bowles appointed Dr Alexander as chair of IHAG, citing his extensive career in the Australian Defence Force, including more than 32 years’ experience in clinical executive posts and board positions in military, private practice, commercial and not for profit organisations.