asked the Minister for Home Affairs, in writing, on 04 December 2017:

(1) What is the Australian Government's rationale for not accepting New Zealand's offer to resettle some of the refugees from Manus Island.(2) Does the Australian Government have a legal basis for preventing the resettlement of refugees to New Zealand.(3) Other than the United States, what third party nations is the Australian Government considering for resettlement.

The answer to the honourable member's question is:

(1) As the Prime Minister stated on 5 November 2017, the Government appreciates the offer that New Zealand has made, but we are focused on concluding the resettlement arrangement with the United States.

(2) New Zealand made the offer to the Australian Government. As I stated on 16 November 2017, any resettlement arrangement between a regional processing country and New Zealand is a matter for their respective governments.

(3) It would not be appropriate to disclose details of confidential discussions with other governments.