Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate calls on the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection to explain to the Senate the Government‘s reasons for detaining two pregnant women, who have been found to be genuine refugees and have been living in the community in Nauru, against their will.

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government will not be supporting this motion. The families in question hold valid Nauruan and visas and reside in that country. The women and their families were temporarily transferred to Australia for medical purposes. They do not hold an Australian visa. The minister has been advised these individuals were informed that they would be housed at Blaydin Point alternative place of detention, not placed in the community as claimed. Once their medical issues have been resolved they will be returned to Nauru where they have a right of stay. I can confirm that all individuals are now accommodated in immigration detention facilities in Darwin. Two IHMS midwives have been monitoring the women overnight. The departmental detention service provider is continuing to engage proactively and sensitively with the individuals and provide appropriate services and support.