Dr Mike Freelander, the local children’s doctor who got elected to federal parliament last year, has volunteered to give One Nation leader Pauline Hanson the low down on immunisation.
The Labor MP for Macarthur has waded into the controversy on vaccination sparked by Ms Hanson’s comments during an interview on the ABC program Insiders on Sunday morning.
Ms Hanson told program host Barrie Cassidy that the government was being “dictatorial’’ in withdrawing social security payments from parents who refused to have their children vaccinated.
She also said parents should be entitled to go out and do their own research so they can make an informed decision about vaccination.
Dr Freelander said that Hanson had previously stated that vaccinations could be to blame for rising rates of autism and cancer.
“While I do not agree with Pauline Hanson on most of her polices I accept that we live in a thriving democracy and we can sensibly argue about our political differences,” Dr Freelander said.
“However, when Senator Hanson strays into comments about major health policy, and uses unscientific, dangerous, and bizarre language – I take offence.”
“I have written to Ms Hanson previously about her attitudes toward and comments about immunisation. I have not received a reply.
“I will write to her again and request a meeting so that I can provide her with accurate information about immunisation and immunisation policy.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I will meet Ms Hanson anywhere, anytime, and argue the case for our children and grandchildren using science and reason, and I hope to change her views.”[/social_quote]
Dr Freelander said it was vital that “we as politicians present accurate information to all Australians, so that we continue to provide our children with the best health care possible’’.
“I have worked as a paediatrician for almost 40 years and witnessed the last great measles epidemic while working at the Children’s Hospital in the 1970s,” he said.
“I have seen children die and some be severely damaged by these illnesses which can be prevented by immunisation.’’
