Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Hansard source

Australia and PNG ended their regional processing association on 31 December 2021 through the mutual termination of the regional resettlement arrangement. On 1 January 2022, the PNG government assumed full and independent management of individuals remaining in PNG. The Department of Home Affairs does not have any role in the ongoing management of or service delivery arrangements for individuals remaining in PNG.

Australia agreed a confidential bilateral arrangement with the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority in December 2021 to support PNG's independent management of the residual caseload. In consultation with and mutual agreement between Australia and PNG, care and management of this group transitioned to the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority from 1 September 2023. The PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority is providing access to secure and sustainable accommodation, welfare and health services and employment and community linking services. The funding assists the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority in providing a range of settlement, welfare and health support to individuals remaining in PNG who are pursuing permanent settlement in PNG or pending their resettlement in a third country. Details of the funding arrangement remain confidential between PNG and Australia.