7am Australia’s definitely-not-secret deal with Nauru has begun
Nov 1, 2025
Denham Sadler, an investigative journalist specializing in immigration and offshore detention, sheds light on the recently struck $2.5 billion deal between Australia and Nauru. He discusses the implications of a landmark High Court ruling and the deportation of former detainees, raising concerns about legal obligations. Denham reveals details of the financial terms and the challenges asylum seekers may face on Nauru, including limited healthcare and high living costs. He emphasizes ongoing responsibilities Australia may have towards these individuals.
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Huge Price Tag For Resettlement Deal
- Australia signed a memorandum with Nauru to pay up to $2.5 billion over 30 years to resettle former detainees.
- The deal includes an upfront payment of more than $400 million once the first person is deported and up to $70 million annually thereafter.
Who The Deal Targets
- The cohort stems from the High Court ruling that indefinite immigration detention is unlawful (NZYQ case).
- About 350 people were released into the community because they could not be returned to their home countries.
Politics Shapes Public Perception
- Political rhetoric framed released non-citizens as a public danger, fueling pressure on government.
- Denham Sadler notes many in the cohort hadn't committed crimes and were treated differently due to nationality.