Law Council expresses concerns over PNG Asylum Seeker Arrangement

25/07/2013

The Law Council of Australia has expressed concern over the Australian Government’s recent announcement of a Regional Settlement Arrangement with Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The Arrangement involves the transfer of asylum seekers, arriving by boat from 19 July 2013 onwards, to PNG for processing and resettlement, and builds on the existing Memorandum of Understanding between Australia and PNG relating to the processing of asylum seekers on Manus Island.

Law Council President, Mr Michael Colbran QC, said there were a number of issues of concern stemming from the continued lack of clarity about the details of the system for processing claims in PNG and its conformity to Australia’s obligations under the applicable UN Convention. View the Law Council's media release

25 July 2013