So says the Liberal backbencher Russell Broadbent in the following Guardian article: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jul/23/mental-health-nauru-manus-refugee-medical-admissions

New Zealand has renewed its long-standing offer (first made in 2013) to give a home to 150 refugees. Why has this offer not been taken up by Australia with immediate effect? Australia is a democratic nation; to continue the policy of indefinite offshore detention on Manus and Nauru, where refugees have now been detained on what are effectively two island-prisons for up to six years, is inhumane.

In addition, to restrict journalists’ access to report on this humanitarian issue is an alarming and continuing trend, with many journalists and advocates being deported from Manus. No one can access Nauru. The free press is a vital cornerstone of a democratic society. Why is there such secrecy? These refugees continue to suffer, and their physical and mental health is deteriorating.

Please continue to encourage your colleagues, friends and family to sign and share this petition which calls for an end to this unnecessary human suffering. Not a single asylum seeker should be left to languish on Manus and Nauru islands. These refugees, who have fled their own countries in fear of persecution or death, should be given asylum in a safe, free democratic country of their choice. History will judge us on this humanitarian issue.

These refugees have committed no crime. Imagine being detained in these inhumane conditions after already going through so much trauma. One year? Two years? Three years? Four years? Five years? Six years? Some refugees have been detained for over six years, and are now into their seventh year…

Please help give these refugees a voice. Help them achieve freedom by continuing to share as widely as you can this humanitarian petition on social media.

Thank you.