Transcript
PETRUS THOMAS: So if the lead contractor does not maintain the status quo (of the agreement between PNG and Australia) and starts to muck around with the current arrangement which is in place, that might create some issues. If they maintain the status quo and continue to engage the current sub-contractors providing services in Manus, I don't think there will be a problem. Otherwise I see there will be a smooth transition taking place. but in the movement, we strongly discourage the movement of refugees by using force. We would encourage voluntary movement by refugees and non-refugees to the new site.
JOHNNY BLADES: Those refugees who go to the township, are they going to be able to fend for themselves, get basic services, and will they be secure?
PT: Well, in terms of the refugees moving around, they have been moving freely after the PNG Supreme Court order (April 2016) that ruled that they shouldn't be in detention. So they've been moving freely around in Manus. So the refugees, I think it's Australia's intention to provide them allowances to be more self-reliant, for them to find their food and services that the refugees require. And it's PNG's position that Australia must continue to fund until the last refugee has left Manus. It's all Australia's responsibility to maintain and continue the funding for the refugees on Manus.
JB: And the Australian government said that food and water services would be withdrawn from the centre. That's going to happen. So some of the refugees that refuse to leave will be without those things...
PT: That will be the concern. what will happen tomorrow is yet to be seen. But, as I've said, there has been movement, although not in large numbers of refugees. There has been one or two who have been moving. But we'll wait and see what happens tomorrow. but if the refugees do not move, then that's going to be an issue.
JB: Why would they change their mind, are there some incentives for them to move? If they've already said they're refusing to move, what would change?
PT: Well, basically, in terms of everything they want, the services would not be conducted after the 31st. So it's a move. Otherwise the kind of services that have been currently provided in the Manus processing centre will be provided on the other side as well. So it's just a movement of location.
Petrus Thomas says it remains Australia's responsibility to pursue third country options for resettlement.
