The Australian and Papuan New Guinean governments announced in a joint statement that there will be a limited extension but not a renewal of the $423 million contract for Security company Paladin, which provides services to asylum seekers on Manus Island. Prior to this announcement, PNG’s new Prime Minister James Marape stated that he did not want foreign security companies undertaking this work, which could be done by PNG companies. The limited extension of the Paladin contract will allow time while the PNG government seeks to procure a local provider.
US President Donald Trump praised Australia’s asylum seeker policies, tough border protection measures and deterrent advertising campaign. On the day of the G20 Summit and a meeting between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the President, Trump tweeted that ‘much can be learned’ from Australian advertisements aimed to deter asylum seekers from using boats to come to Australia.
The Coalition government increased rhetoric against the medevac legislation, with the aim of soon repealing it through parliament. Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton claimed that the new arrangements risk an increase of people smuggler boats and also encourage asylum seekers and refugees currently on Manus island and Nauru to reject offers to be resettled in the United States in hope that they will instead get to Australia. The government will require the support of four cross-benchers to repeal the legislation.
Manus Island police stated that the asylum seeker who set himself on fire in his room last week at the Lorengau accommodation will be charged with attempted suicide and arson, with the latter carrying a sentence of life imprisonment. The man is badly injured with severe burns to his face and ear, and has reportedly been medically evacuated for treatment in Port Moresby.
Abdul Aziz Muhamat, a Sudanese refugee and former detainee on Manus Island, gave a speech before the United Nations Human Rights Council regarding the conditions for asylum seekers on Manus and Nauru. Muhamat described the situation as a humanitarian crisis requiring urgent action and urged the Council to hold the Australian government to account. Muhamat was offered asylum in Switzerland after he was permitted to travel from Manus Island to receive a human rights award.