Labor to vote on Manus, Nauru opposition

Two Labor MPs have proposed a motion to overturn the party's support for offshore processing of asylum seekers.

Labor is facing pressure to change its asylum-seeker policy and advocate the closure of offshore processing on Nauru and Manus Island.

The Labor caucus will vote on a motion, moved by MP Melissa Parke and seconded by Anna Burke, on May 27 to oppose offshore processing on humanitarian grounds.

The caucus heard at a meeting on Monday that the death of Iranian asylum seeker Reza Berati at the Manus Island facility in February showed the offshore system had broken down.

Asylum seekers were living in "inhumane conditions" in violation of Australia's obligations under the United Nations refugee convention, the motion reads.


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Source: AAP


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