Phelps’ Nauru victory claims ignore reality

Kerryn Phelps has claimed the Wentworth by-election “brought to light” community unease about children on Nauru.

Kerryn Phelps at a Press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: Kym Smith

Independent MP Kerryn Phelps has claimed the Wentworth by-election “brought to light” community unease about children on Nauru and forced the government to be dragged “kicking and screaming” to remove them from offshore detention.

The government announced yesterday the final four children on Nauru would soon be transferred to the US.

Her claims were made despite the Coalition government removing nearly 2000 children from offshore detention before Dr Phelps entered parliament and Malcolm Turnbull striking a 2016 deal for the US to accept detainees.

“It was really brought to light during the Wentworth by-election campaign, when it became an election issue,” Dr Phelps said.

“It is not like they thought ‘This is a good idea’ and came up with the idea themselves. They were forced by community pressure.”

There were 109 children on Nauru at the end of August last year, compared with 2000 when the Coalition won power in 2013.

Immigration Minister David Coleman said: “We have arranged for all children to be transferred from Nauru. It demonstrates we are able to run an orderly and successful humanitarian program while maintaining border security.

“It’s our government which got the kids out of offshore detention.”