The woman involved in the self-immolation incident in Nauru last night has been transferred to Australia.
She remains in a critical condition and all efforts are being made to meet her medical needs. We can only hope for the best possible outcome.
In this and the previous incident, both patients have received the utmost care, treatment and consideration, both in Nauru and in Australia.
I want to thank the medical staff of the Nauru Hospital, the IHMS clinic, those who assisted on the scene and the Government of Nauru for dealing with these extremely distressing situations.
It is of grave concern that this person would resort to such an extreme act of self-harm.
I have previously expressed my frustration and anger at advocates and others who are in contact with those in Regional Processing Centres and who are encouraging them to engage in behaviours they believe will pressure the Government to bring them to Australia.
These behaviours have intensified in recent times, and as we see, have now turned to extreme acts with terrible consequences.
Advocates and others who proclaim to represent and support the interests of refugees and asylum seekers must hear a clear message that their activities and these behaviours must end.
They can oppose government policy and espouse a cause for open borders, but that is not the policy of this Government and no action advocates or those in regional processing countries take will cause the Government to deviate from its course.
We are not going to allow people to drown at sea again. Twelve hundred people drowned when Australia lost control of our borders.
The recent behaviours in Nauru are not protests against living conditions, access to healthcare or financial support.
The Australian Government has strengthened IHMS’ health care staff of 52 health professionals, including 22 mental health staff, in Nauru.
An additional eight health staff, including four metal health professionals, were deployed last week. Another 12 (including mental health staff) are being sent this week.
This effort is in addition to an investment of $11 million for the medical clinic at the Regional Processing Centre and $26.5 million to upgrade the Nauru Hospital.
The Nauru Government and people have been unfairly portrayed by advocates.
Already, Nauru hosts some 700 refugees in its community.
There are about 350 refugees employed in a range of occupations, others have established their own businesses.
Children have access to education and health care.
F ar from living in the hell-hole advocates would have you believe, refugees in Nauru are free from a fear of persecution and many are building new lives.
Advocates should reflect on their messages of false hope and misleading portrayal of the situation in Nauru.
While some may be encouraged by messages of false hope, and some may resort to extreme action, the Government will not be dissuaded from its stated border protection policies.
I have been advised of threats to damage the medical facility. We will not tolerate threats to assets in Nauru, such as the hospital, that have been provided for the benefit of both those in the Regional Processing Centre, refugees and the people of Nauru.
Transferees have the option of resettlement in a third country or returning to their home country. The Government has offered assistance for these options.
The Government has been absolutely clear: we do not want to see the restart of boats a nd deaths at sea.
Persons transferred to Regional Processing Centres will not be resettled in Australia.