30 Oct 2017

Governor of Manus Island threatens to stop relocation

1:41 pm on 30 October 2017

The Governor of Manus Island says he will stop the relocation of refugees from the Australian-funded detention centre there unless concerns about a new accommodation facility are addressed.

Detainees gather for the 64th day of protest on Manus Island.

Photo: supplied

Immigration authorities want to move 600 men from the detention centre to three other sites on the island when it's shut down on Tuesday.

But Governor Charlie Benjamin said he was never consulted about the construction of one of the new accommodation facilities located in a residential area.

"I have no idea when it was approved by the PNG government and the Australians for this next stage. But don't forget that I am in charge of the province."

Mr Benjamin also said he was concerned about asylum-seekers being able to walk freely around the local area after Tuesday.

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