The Albanese Government’s quiet deportation of the first NZYQ member to Nauru highlights its secrecy of their handling of this dangerous cohort and again shows their unwillingness to be open with Australians.
While the Coalition welcomes news that deportations of this dangerous cohort have finally started, Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonno Duniam said the Government’s lack of transparency over is unacceptable.
“It has taken eight months for the first of the NZYQ cohort to arrive into Nauru yet the Home Affairs Minister had to be asked before confirming it,” Senator Duniam said.
“The Government has not been open with Australians who deserve to know that they are safe. It is their first responsibility and they are failing it.”
“The Government’s secrecy over this deportation also begs the question of what else it is hiding.”
“The Home Affairs Minister must be open with Australians about the rest of its plans for the NZYQ cohort. He must stand up and answer why it took so long and what its plans are to expedite further deportations, exactly how much it costs and whether the community is safe from these dangerous individuals.”
The Coalition is urging swift action and detailed communication to the public.
“The Coalition is urging the Minister to deport all remaining NZYQ members as soon as possible. And it must not further bury any information that Australians deserve to know.”
Senator Duniam said the secrecy around the Nauru arrangement follows the same pattern as other undisclosed government deals, including those involving the return of ISIS brides.
“This Government has a terrible habit of hiding information from Australians. This includes its secret payments to Nauru and the returning of ISIS brides to our shores. Labor avoids scrutiny at every turn and it leaves the community’s confidence begging.”
“Australians deserve to know that they are safe. The Government’s handling of the NZYQ is not reassuring.”