Media Release

FA49 - 13 May 2003

Continuation of Australia's Temporary Presence in Nauru

The Government will provide $1.7 million to continue Australia’s diplomatic presence in Nauru for a further year, to support and facilitate the work of Australian Government agencies in processing asylum seekers.

The Consulate-General provides a central point of contact for official dealings with Nauru and is necessary for the smooth functioning of the facilities.

Processing of asylum seekers, the resettlement of refugees and the repatriation of those found not to be refugees have taken longer than expected owing to factors such as the campaign against terrorism and hostilities in Iraq.

DFAT established an Australian Administrative Centre on Nauru in September 2001, and in the 2002-03 Budget, DFAT received funding to maintain a Consulate-General for one year.

Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) +61 02 6277 7500 / Lyndall Sachs (Departmental) 02 6261 1555