Overview
- Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke signed a memorandum with Nauru enabling long‑term residence for people who have no lawful right to remain in Australia, targeting the NZYQ cohort.
- Media reports and Nauruan records cite A$408 million upfront plus about A$70 million a year, while the prime minister declined to confirm the timeframe or total cost.
- Nauru said the payments would strengthen its Intergenerational Trust Fund, with arrivals to be scaled up as local systems are established.
- The government has moved legislation to streamline removals and limit certain procedural‑fairness steps at the final stage after court action halted earlier planned transfers.
- The Coalition has indicated support, while human rights groups and the Greens warn of rights erosion and criticize the low‑profile way the deal was announced.