The political row over the so-called ‘medevac laws’ has flared again after the Federal Court found that doctors can remotely assess offshore asylum seekers who are seeking medical evacuation to Australia.

Federal Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton questioned the ruling, warning it puts the country’s border protection policies at risk.

“That two doctors who haven’t had any interaction with the patient could make a decision that that person should come to Australia [for medical treatment] is a completely outrageous arrangement.”

He added: “[The court’s ruling has] applicability to many hundreds of people, which has certainly the potential to restart boats and that would be a travesty.”