Kate Lundy (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation) Share this | Hansard source

The government has agreed in principle to implement the recommendations of the expert panel on asylum seekers, and these recommendations cover the regional processing in Nauru and PNG on the principle of no advantage. This is part of a broader framework to better deal with asylum and protection issues in the region as is necessary to combat people smuggling and prevent the tragic loss of life at sea.

We have always been committed to working closely with regional partners, and the arrangement with Nauru and PNG sends a clear message that countries in this region will take the action necessary to ensure the integrity of their borders and undermine people smuggling networks. The message to people smugglers and asylum seekers is that there is no advantage travelling by boat. In addition, regular and safer avenues for migration are being made available through the program.

The memoranda of understanding that Australia has entered into with both Nauru and PNG sets out who will be transferred, and while the agreements set out who will be transferred, Australia will of course take into account any concerns raised by Nauru or PNG, as is usual for people subject to entering a foreign country.