Stirling Griff (SA, Centre Alliance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to Senator Fifield, representing the Acting Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. Former immigration minister Peter Dutton yesterday said he was very proud of the fact that he 'got children out of detention'. Refugee advocates state that there are still 119 children on Nauru, one of whom is on a hunger strike.

Government Senators:

Government senators interjecting—

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order during questions. Order on my right.

Stirling Griff (SA, Centre Alliance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

If the government does not consider these children detained, what responsibility does the government take for these children?

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before I call Senator Fifield, I do insist—those on my right—on silence during questions. The Minister representing the Acting Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator Fifield.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thanks, Senator Griff, for the question. The first point I should make is that the regional processing centres in Nauru are open accommodation sites, and residents are able to move about freely. The government of Nauru manages and administers the Nauru Regional Processing Centre under its laws. The department does provide capacity-building and funding to Nauru to operate the RPCs and coordinate the contract administration process. The temporary settlement of refugees in Nauru is the responsibility of the government of Nauru, and Nauru determined refugees are eligible for a limited time visa. All refugees in Nauru receive settlement support services, including needs-based case management, income support, cultural orientation, employment and vocational support, and language training. The department is working closely with the government of Nauru and service providers to strengthen programs for children, providing funding for youth-specific sports services such as out-of-school-hour activities.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Griff, a supplementary question.

Stirling Griff (SA, Centre Alliance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, does this government accept that there are children on Nauru who have been in a catatonic state which, we understand, stems from their prolonged incarceration on Nauru and lack of hope?

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There are extensive medical services that are provided for those who are on Nauru. The health and welfare of individuals who are on Nauru is very important. It's a matter that the Australian government obviously assists the government of Nauru on. But I do emphasise again that the regional processing centres in Nauru are open accommodation sites and residents can move about the community freely.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Griff, a final supplementary question.

Stirling Griff (SA, Centre Alliance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, can you please outline—and, if you can't at this point, provide it on notice—exactly what counselling, parenting and other services exist on Nauru to support families and children on Nauru, if any at all?

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thanks, Senator Griff. Mental health services are provided by IHMS and include a team of professionals, including mental health nurses, psychologists, counsellors and psychiatrists. Programs run by IHMS include the day program, which includes self-esteem and stress management groups, social and emotional development, and social and educational programs. Services provided on Nauru deliver a range of educational and recreational activities as well, to support transferee children on Nauru, including early childhood activities for nought- to five-year-olds, homework groups and sporting competitions, and also kids and teen clubs.