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Nauru President Makes Unannounced Visit to Parliament House as Offshore Contracts Come Under Fire

The trip follows revelations prompting a referral of Nauru contracts to the national anti-corruption watchdog.

Overview

  • David Adeang was photographed entering Parliament House via the Senate entrance without a public announcement and declined to answer questions before leaving about 30 minutes later.
  • The visit comes days after reports alleging rorting, graft and criminal infiltration in offshore detention operations tied to Australia’s arrangements in Nauru.
  • Home Affairs acting assistant secretary Dr Derek Elias said Nauru-related contracts are set to be referred to the national anti-corruption watchdog after claims taxpayers paid millions for unnecessary or nonexistent services.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the relevant minister would respond to the corruption claims and noted the alleged issues appear to predate his government.
  • Adeang recently confirmed the first deportees arrived in Nauru about two weeks ago under new fast-tracked removal laws, following a multi‑billion‑dollar agreement to transfer foreign‑born prisoners.