URGENT UPDATE: Hundreds of former immigration detainees are set to be deported to Nauru under a controversial agreement that has sparked bipartisan support in Australia. The deal, which will cost taxpayers over $400 million upfront and an ongoing $70 million each year, allows for the transfer of approximately 280 individuals, including convicted criminals, to the tiny Pacific island.
This agreement has been met with fierce criticism from human rights organizations and the Greens, who denounce it as a “secret deal.” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke signed the memorandum, which affects the NZYQ cohort, individuals released from detention following a landmark High Court ruling on indefinite detention.
Shadow attorney-general Julian Leeser defended the arrangement, stating, “This cohort of people have had ample opportunities to put their case.” He emphasized that they have exhausted all appeal avenues, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
David Shoebridge, the Greens immigration spokesman, vehemently opposed the deal, calling it a “21st-century prison colony” for Nauru. The federal government must pass legislation to facilitate these removals, with Cabinet Minister Murray Watt indicating a swift approach. “It’s not the intention to send the entire cohort in one group,” he told Sky News. “The plan is to scale the number up.”
Senator Watt refuted claims that Australia was offloading unwanted individuals, asserting that Nauru is an “independent sovereign nation” capable of making its own decisions. He added that the agreement includes undertakings for the proper treatment and long-term residence of those being transferred.
The financial implications of this deal are significant for Nauru, whose GDP stands at $160 million USD. Refugee and human rights advocates warn that the agreement undermines procedural fairness, potentially paving the way for mass deportations. A coalition of lawyers and academics has raised alarms over the government’s moves to dismantle legal protections for these individuals.
Australia’s Human Rights Commission has echoed these concerns, noting that proposed changes to migration rules could strip individuals of their right to fair processes. The urgency of this situation is palpable as the government seeks to push through legislation to expedite the deportations.
Next Steps: As this situation develops, further updates are expected regarding the implementation of the agreement and the proposed legislative changes. The international community is closely monitoring the implications of this deal on human rights and immigration policies in Australia.
Stay tuned for more immediate updates as this story unfolds.
