Immigration Minister Peter Dutton insists the federal government acts in the best interests of asylum seekers brought to Australia from Nauru for medical treatment.
"We're not going to send people into harm's way," he told Sky News.
Mr Dutton had a media blitz of television interviews ahead of a High Court ruling on Wednesday which has implications for more than 267 people including 37 babies and 54 older children who were brought to Australia for medical treatment.
He said Australia had to be mindful of the message being sent to people smugglers.
He wants to get the number of children in detention down to zero, but says people smugglers are channelling that message to potential customers that "Dutton's a soft touch and you can put women and children on boats and be successful".
Mr Dutton was reluctant to speculate on the government's response if the High Court challenge against detention on Nauru was successful, saying the court process must be respected.
In the case of a five-year-old boy allegedly raped on Nauru and committing self harm, Mr Dutton maintained his department would take into account medical advice on whether to send him back to the Pacific island.
"If people need prolonged support they receive it and we've provided significant support for a number of people who have come to Australia because they can't get the requisite medical needs in Nauru or in PNG," he told ABC television.
