The Morrison Government’s newly announced refugee resettlement deal with New Zealand is a step in the right direction, but fails to account for almost one thousand people still affected by Australia’s offshore detention policies. 

Under the agreement, 450 refugees held in Nauru, as well as people brought to Australia from offshore detention, will be able to be considered under New Zealand’s existing refugee resettlement program over the next three years. 

However, the announcement did not include people who were detained on Manus Island and remain in Papua New Guinea, or any detail about what would happen to more than 1000 people still impacted by Australia’s offshore processing policy. 

Human Rights Law Centre Senior Lawyer Scott Cosgriff said: 

“After years spent blocking New Zealand’s offer to relieve the suffering of people held under Australia’s cruel offshore detention policy, the Morrison government’s belated support for a resettlement deal should be welcomed.  

“This agreement will transform the lives of hundreds of refugees who fled persecution only to lose the best part of a decade of their lives to this cruel policy. But the announcement also leaves hundreds behind. 

“While today’s news is positive, we must not forget that for nine years, Australian governments have repeatedly blocked New Zealand’s offer, condemning people to years of unnecessary danger and uncertainty.  

“The Morrison government must now move fast to ensure that each and every person still in limbo can rebuild their lives. New Zealand is now offering what the Morrison Government has cruelly denied: freedom, safety and certainty for the future.”

Media contact:

Evan Schuurman, 0485 864 320, evan.schuurman@hrlc.org.au