The federal government has reportedly finalised its controversial asylum seeker swap deal with Malaysia.
ABC television has reported the two countries had struck a final agreement and would sign it by the end of the month.
Under the deal originally announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard on May 7, the government will swap 800 asylum seekers who arrive in Australia by boat for 4000 of Malaysia's already processed refugees.
A spokesman for Immigration Minister Chris Bowen would only say later that the agreement was in its final stages.
"We hope to be able to announce more in coming weeks," he said.
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In a press conference in Brisbane, Ms Gillard said Australia was in "advanced stages of negotiations".
The Australian Greens condemned the news.
"We have very real concerns that anyone that we send to Malaysia will not have the protections of their rights and safety guaranteed," Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
Eight boats carrying more than 400 asylum seekers have arrived in Australia since the government's May announcement. It is believed they will not be included in the 800 Australia sends to Malaysia.
