In a discreet diplomatic manoeuvre, the President of Nauru, David Adeang, conducted an unannounced visit to Australia's Parliament House this week, holding confidential talks with senior government ministers.
Surprise Meetings Amid Growing Controversy
The Nauruan leader was spotted by ABC cameras entering Capital Hill on Tuesday afternoon with a small entourage to meet Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. This followed an earlier meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong during a Pacific representatives' reception on Monday evening.
Both ministers confirmed discussing recent media reports with President Adeang, though neither disclosed specific details. In a social media post, Burke described their conversation as productive and emphasised the critical nature of bilateral ties between the two nations.
Deportations and Security Contract Allegations
The surprise visit coincided with the revelation that a fourth man from the NZYQ cohort had been quietly transferred to Nauru under a massive $2.5 billion agreement spanning 30 years signed in August. Guardian Australia understands the latest deportee, a South Sudanese national, was flown from Yongah Hill immigration centre near Perth to join three others in temporary accommodation within a regional processing centre.
Simultaneously, media investigations have uncovered alleged connections between the Nauruan government and Australian bikie gangs. Nine newspapers reported that a labour hire business, allegedly operated by the Finks bikie gang, has been subcontracted to provide temporary staff to Nauruan authorities.
Greens Senator David Shoebridge has announced he will refer the matter to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, citing serious concerns about transparency and historical issues with corrupt dealings involving the Pacific island nation.
Political Reactions and Diplomatic Protocol Questions
The secretive nature of both the presidential visit and the deportation programme has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonathon Duniam questioned why the government kept Adeang's Canberra meetings concealed from public view.
It is bizarre to have a head of state from one of our closest neighbours visit without any prior notice or proper diplomatic protocol, Duniam stated, highlighting unusual aspects of the diplomatic engagement.
The NZYQ cohort consists of approximately 350 individuals, some of whom have served prison sentences for violent crimes including murder. However, many have never been convicted of any offence or only have historical minor convictions for non-violent crimes such as cannabis use. Numerous individuals within the group cannot be deported to their countries of origin due to refugee status or statelessness, with many having established long-term connections to Australia through citizen children and decades of residence.
