Nauru and Australia reaffirm RPC arrangements
The Government of Nauru met with
Australia's new immigration minister this week reaffirming both
governments' commitment to regional processing arrangements and
resettlement of refugees as well as open camp arrangements.
Shortly after arriving yesterday (18 Feb) the Australian Minister
for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton, met with
President Baron Waqa followed by separate meetings with Minister
for Justice and Border Control Hon David Adeang and Minister for
Education Hon Charmaine Scotty in relation to development and
assistance for education.
Mr Adeang said Mr Dutton's first visit to Nauru as Australian
immigration minister is positive and reiterates existing plans and
ideas surrounding the RPC.
Current assistance and support from the Australian government will
continue with additional talks on a five-year plan for Nauru.
Minister Adeang said a five-year plan will provide the government
certainty around planning and budgeting for the nations'
future.
Mr Dutton said that Australia will provide support to Nauru in
what has been very responsible action by Nauru and Nauruans in
relation to the RPC.
Mr Dutton is pleased with the good work being done by Nauruan
staff at the RPC and is keen to see that develop.
An open centre arrangement for asylum seekers awaiting their
refugee status determinations is in the final stages of planning.
The first group of 20 asylum seekers to be allowed out into the
community on Wednesday 25 February will be women and children. Open
camp hours will be from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Another community leaders consultation will be held tomorrow
(Friday 20 Feb) ahead of the open centre start date.
Mr Dutton and his delegation which included Lieutenant General
Angus Campbell, Deputy Secretary Cindy Briscoe, and media advisor
John Wiseman arrived yesterday (18 Feb) morning on a private
jet.
The delegation went on site visits to the Republic of Nauru
Hospital, shown refugee settlement lodgings and tours to the RPC.
They departed Nauru today (Thursday 19 Feb).