The federal government says immigration detention centres in Melbourne and Sydney can be closed as the number of boat arrivals has dropped under its policies.
In a statement on Wednesday, spokesperson Ian Rintoul called it a "meaningless announcement".
"The fact is that the government has increased detention capacity with new compounds being opened at Yongah Hill, and a high detention facility opening in the Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation, to replace Maribynong," Mr Rintoul said.
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