Asylum seekers will be shipped back to Manus and Nauru if they don't find work to support themselves.
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has condemned protests by asylum seekers on Manus Island, describing them as “aggressive and irresponsible”.
In a statement on Monday, Mr Dutton said the behaviour of the “transferees” in question was placing other transferees and detention centre staff at risk.
“A number of transferees have regrettably engaged in aggressive behaviour over the weekend,” Mr Dutton said.
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“The failure of this group to cease their disturbing actions is irresponsible – rather than protesting peacefully, they have chosen a disruptive path.”
The protests involve the barricading of the delta compound to prevent staff from entering.
Up to 700 detainees on the island are also partaking in a hunger strike to object to the government’s plan to resettle them in Papua New Guinea.
Mr Dutton hit back at claims from advocates that centre staff were withholding food and water from detainees.
Instead, Mr Dutton said the actions of the protesting group were preventing food and water provisions from being delivered and urged the media to avoid circulating false reports on the unrest.
“I am aware of false and irresponsible claims being circulated by some advocates,” he said.
“I urge media to use caution when reporting claims from individuals and groups who may have a vested interest.”