A hurried Senate hearing on the Albanese Government’s Anti-Fairness and Deportation Bill has laid bare startling details of a deal with Nauru that could run into the billions of dollars.
Officials from the Department of Home Affairs confirmed under questioning that the agreement, already signed through a Memorandum of Understanding, could be worth at least $2.5 billion, with estimates suggesting the total might exceed $7 billion. Despite the scale of the commitment, no full economic modelling has been completed.
Senator David Pocock said the sums sounded “absolutely bonkers” after officials admitted that a $408 million payment would be placed into a trust. The terms of that trust are yet to be finalised, but Nauru will receive $70 million annually and will also be able to access interest payments and drawdowns.
The hearing revealed there is no cap on the number of deportations under the arrangement, nor a minimum requirement. Officials admitted that the Bill has been drafted in a way designed to get around cases currently before the High Court. The powers to strip fairness from deportation decisions could apply beyond the specific NZYQ cohort.
Concerns about security on Nauru also resurfaced, with the Department unable to confirm whether companies linked to the Finks bikie gang still hold contracts, as reported earlier this year by the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
Civil society organisations and experts were locked out of the session, leaving Home Affairs officials as the only witnesses. Senator David Shoebridge tabled submissions from groups including the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Human Rights Law Centre, Human Rights Watch, the Law Council of Australia and multicultural community leaders, all opposing the Bill. The Committee briefly suspended proceedings before agreeing to accept the documents.
Jana Favero, Deputy CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, said the hearing showed why a full inquiry was needed.
“This is proof we need a proper Senate inquiry into this Bill, and not this sham process. From this rushed 3 hour hearing, we now know the Government’s secret deal with Nauru could be worth at least $2.5 billion, arrangements for the way the money will be managed are still unfinalised, and the total costing hasn’t even been done but the total value could be over $7 billion. Imagine what a proper inquiry with expert witnesses would uncover?” she said.
She added: “The Department of Home Affairs could not articulate reasons for the Bill to be rushed through Parliament. A Bill with these kinds of life-changing implications for people that is linked to a deal worth so much money needs to be properly scrutinised.”
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
