Coalition accused of 'cruelty for cruelty’s sake' over medevac refugees

Kristina Keneally says Peter Dutton should not use medical transfers in a punitive fashion

Labor and the Greens have both voiced concern about "punitive" and "cruel" treatment of refugees brought to Australia for medical treatment, after revelations dozens are detained in dirty and restrictive conditions inside a Brisbane hotel.

Guardian Australia reported on Sunday that a cohort of refugees had been kept in the hotel, under heavy guard, for up to six months.