Immigrations Minister, Petrus Thomas told EMTV News there are still outstanding issues between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Australian Governments on the closure of the Detention Centre.
Minister Thomas explained that the Australian government is yet to come clear on how to continue to support PNG government after the Detention Centre proposed closing today.
The Minister explained that PNG has no obligation under the revised Resettlement Agreement to deal with refugees who would remain in Manus, or other parts of PNG.
Instead, it is the duty of Australia to continue to support PNG in providing accommodation, food and water supply including medical services.
However, the minister said Australia is yet to state clearly how it will support PNG.
Minister Thomas said PNG’s concern is about the residual caseload of refuges not willing to settle and non-refugees who will remain in PNG after the closure.
He said PNG authorities will not force the refugees to move from Lombrum to East Lorengau when the closure eventuates today.
The Australian Government is expected to release an official statement on how it will support the PNG Government in this move.
