US 300 refugee deal intake claims false: Dutton

The Turnbull government won't reveal whether the United States will only accept a limited number of refugees from Nauru.

Men prepare for the day at a refugee camp on the Island of Nauru

The Turnbull government won't reveal whether the US will limit its intake of refugees from Nauru. (AAP) Source: AP

The Turnbull government won't reveal whether the United States will limit its intake of refugees from Nauru under a resettlement deal.

But Immigration Minister Peter Dutton is adamant reports the US will only accept 300-400 individuals from family groups are completely false.

"That's not the case. We haven't detailed numbers," Mr Dutton told Sky News on Tuesday.

"I don't want people to conjure up in their mind that this is limited by that number. It's not."

Mr Dutton refused to confirm the exact numbers, concerned it would lead to fresh boat arrivals.

He said those people who refused to accept the refugee deal would only have a 20-year visa on Nauru and would have their government assistance cut off.

"If you don't accept the United States of America as an outcome then frankly you're not genuine."

US officials from the Department of Homeland Security will assess and conduct extra checks on refugees on Monday.
The minister was responding after Sky News aired exclusive footage from the island on the conditions inside the detention centre.

The report found asylum seekers were suffering from mental health issues and some were afraid of abuse from locals.

Local police said a 30-year-old asylum seeker had been charged with raping a 16-year-old local girl.

But Nauruan officials interviewed in the program rejected claims of violence towards refugees, while Mr Dutton said those who found mould on their mattresses should clean it themselves.

"We're not running a hotel."

Meanwhile, Mr Dutton said the bill to ban boat-arriving refugees for life wasn't being put to parliament in the final week because the government was worried it would be voted down.

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2 min read
Published 29 November 2016 9:18pm
Updated 30 November 2016 11:27am
Source: AAP


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