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PM resists push for NZ refugee deal after Labor, crossbench offer 'compromise'

Prime minister Scott Morrison has rejected a "compromise" offered by Labor and the crossbench over its controversial legislation for a lifetime ban to stop refugees held on Manus Island and Nauru ever entering Australia.

Scott Morrison has rejected a "compromise" offered by Labor and the crossbench MPs. Source: AAP

Labor is willing to support the 'lifetime ban' if the New Zealand deal goes ahead - on the condition it only applies to that cohort of refugees. The PM says he will not 'horsetrade' on borders.


Prime minister Scott Morrison has rejected a "compromise" offered by Labor and the crossbench over its controversial legislation for a lifetime ban to stop refugees held on Manus Island and Nauru ever entering Australia. 

The government maintains it will only accept New Zealand's offer to take up to 150 refugees if parliament approves its so-called ‘lifetime ban’ legislation, which would ban the refugees from ever entering Australia, even as visitors years later.

On Tuesday morning, Labor announced it was willing to compromise and approve the legislation with “amendments”.

 

Read the full article in English here


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