The Migration Amendment Bill 2023

At the time of the release of this report, some 200 people were detained on Nauru and Papua New Guinea under Australia’s offshore processing regime.

The introduction of this Bill would require the Australian Government to transfer all people detained to Australia.

“Australia’s offshore processing regime is cruel, inhuman, and continues to cause immeasurable harm to people still in Nauru and PNG nearly 10 years after they were first forcibly transferred there.

The Albanese government should support this Bill because it is right thing to do, and it’s consistent with its promise to govern humanely.” - Arif Hussein, RACS Supervising Senior Solicitor

Our submission covers the following issues:

1. Offshore processing

   a. Background to Australia's use of offshore processing

   b. The conflict between offshore processing and Australia's international obligations

   c. Negative impacts of offshore processing on people seeking asylum

2. Resettlement options

   a. Lack of resettlement options for people subject to offshore processing

   b. The need for relief to people currently in offshore processing centres

   c. Transfer of people remaining in offshore processing centres to Australia