The Australian government spent $78 million on the transfer of people between detention centres onshore and offshore, as well as on deportations, in the last financial year, SBS News can reveal.
The figures from the Department of Home Affairs obtained under Freedom of Information laws shows significant costs for the transfer, deportation and associated costs such as food and accommodation.
The $78 million figure was down from the $97 million spent in the previous financial year.
By comparison, last financial year’s federal budget set aside $17 million for natural disaster relief and $52 million to support the dairy industry.
