Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator McKim for his question. Senator McKim, I can advise that the government is not closing the Nauru Regional Processing Centre. I can also advise that there has been no change in our policy. As the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection has stated, there will remain an enduring regional processing capacity on Nauru. Nauru has agreed to host an enduring regional processing capability, and Australia will continue to support Nauru to administer regional processing arrangements.

Senator McKim, yet again—through you, Mr President—I would say to you, 'You should not peddle false hope, as you like to. 'Let me make it clear on behalf of the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection: the government's strong and consistent border protection policies remain the same. No-one on Manus or Nauru will be resettled in Australia. You would be aware, and we are quite proud, that regional processing is a key pillar of the government's successful border protection policies, with turnbacks where it's safe to do so and temporary protection visas.

Just to remind those in the chamber of the coalition's record when it comes to protecting Australia's borders, there have been over 1,200 days without a boat arrival. There have been zero deaths at sea. We on this side of the chamber, because of our responsible action, have been able to close 17 detention centres, and, as senators are well aware, we have removed all children from detention. Our policies do not change.