The federal government is pushing ahead with plans to unwind legislation allowing the transfer of sick asylum seekers to Australia, despite the prospect of a Senate veto.
If the so-called "medivac" law is repealed, the government may be forced to keep the Christmas Island detention center open, which could damage the federal budget.
But Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says there's enough money in the budget to keep the center running, even if the new Senate blocks the repeal.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison spent $185 million reopening the Christmas Island detention center.
Only one person was transferred to Australia under the medivac law during the first month, despite the government saying hundreds would come within weeks.
It comes as refugee advocates say news of the coalition’s victory at last weekend's election has led to an increase in self-harming incidents in the Manus Island and Nauru detention centres.
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