Over a fortnight since the closure of Australia’s Manus Island detention centre, more than 300 men remain in the facility, refusing to move to Lorengau due to safety concerns. Although threats to use force were retracted, immigration officials continued a push to remove the men, with water supplies destroyed and makeshift shelters torn down.
In response to New Zealand’s offer to resettle 150 refugees from Manus Island, immigration minister Peter Dutton indicated the move could harm Australia-New Zealand relations. In a shift in position, a spokesperson for New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinta Ardern replied that the move would only happen with the cooperation of the Australian government. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described the deal as a ‘marketing opportunity’ for people smugglers, but said his government may consider it once the US resettlement deal is complete. Refugee supporters in New Zealand advocated for their government to skip talks with Australia and complete the deal, while UNHCR urged Australia to take up the offer.
Jacinta Ardern announced that the New Zealand government would spend $2.7 million on essential services for refugees and asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru. Peter Dutton criticised the move, arguing that the money would be better spent elsewhere.
Protests against the situation on Manus Island continued, with members of the Whistleblowers Activists and Citizens Alliance barricading the entrance to Peter Dutton’s Brisbane office. Additionally, two men were charged with malicious damage and hindering police following a protest outside a Liberal Party fundraising event.