Papua New Guinea (PNG) has closed the Manus Regional Processing Centre (RPC).

PNG has completed the processing of RPC residents and there are clear pathways ahead of them;

Those found to be refugees can settle within PNG, as agreed under the arrangement struck between the Australian Government and the Government of Papua New Guinea in 2013.

The Australian Government has provided reasonable alternative pathways for refugees who do not wish to resettle in PNG; specifically they can apply for resettlement in the United States or apply to move to Nauru.

Failed asylum seekers are in PNG illegally and should return to their country of origin, as hundreds already have done. The Governments of PNG and Australia will facilitate voluntary returns.

These people sought to subvert Australia’s laws by paying people smugglers to bring them illegally to Australia by boat – none will ever resettle in Australia.

While they await these outcomes, refugees can move to the East Lorengau Refugee Transit Centre (ELRTC) or the West Lorengau Haus (WLH); and failed asylum seekers can move to the Hillside Haus.

Some refugees and failed asylum seekers have already moved and they are comfortably accessing services and supports at these locations.

Some advocates and residents have made claims regarding the conditions at the RPC.

The fact that some people are choosing to squat at the RPC-site when alternative accommodation options are available brings these claims into question. All RPC residents have alternative accommodation options.

In reality, these hardliners want to come to Australia and think that by squatting on a PNG Naval Base Australia will eventually take them.

Certain advocates are encouraging PNG-determined refugees and failed asylum seekers to take this stance. Instead, they should be encouraging these refugees and failed asylum seekers to access the services and supports that the PNG government has generously provided at alternative locations.

The Coalition Government is cleaning up Labor’s mess after Labor lost control of our borders to people smugglers.

Labor allowed 50,000 illegal arrivals on 800 boats. That led to 1200 people dying at sea and more than 8000 children in detention. Only the Turnbull Government can be trusted to keep our borders secure.