Manus Island detainees who have failed in their bids to seek refuge will soon be thrown out of Papua New Guinea.
Australia is working with the PNG government to shut down the offshore detention centre by October 31.
Refugees who have expressed interest in US resettlement may volunteer to transfer to Nauru ahead of the centre's closure, while alternative local accommodation and services have also been organised.
Cabinet minister Michaelia Cash said "non-refugee residents" were expected to return to their home countries, and would be assisted to do so.
"Non-refugees not returning voluntarily will be involuntary removed from PNG by the government of PNG," Senator Cash told parliament on Monday.
The minister twice refused to rule out using force or cutting off water and electricity to coerce people to leave the Manus Island centre.
"Anyone will be removed by lawful means," Senator Cash said.
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