Australian taxpayers are footing an astonishing £2.5 million daily bill for maintaining a virtually empty offshore detention centre on Nauru, according to explosive new figures obtained by The Daily Mail.
The controversial facility, which once housed hundreds of asylum seekers, now maintains just 15 individuals while costing the Australian government approximately £912 million annually. This revelation has ignited fierce debate about the financial sustainability of Australia's hardline immigration policies.
Empty Beds, Full Costs
Despite the centre's near-empty status, the Australian government continues to pour enormous resources into keeping the facility on standby. Officials defend the expenditure, citing the need to maintain "operational readiness" for any future arrivals by boat.
"The government's priority is to prevent people smugglers from restarting their trade," a Home Affairs spokesperson stated. "Maintaining operational capability is essential to our border protection strategy."
Historical Context and Political Fallout
The Nauru processing centre became a cornerstone of Australia's immigration policy under the Coalition government's Operation Sovereign Borders. The policy, designed to deter illegal boat arrivals, has faced consistent criticism from human rights organisations over conditions and processing times.
Shadow Home Affairs Minister Kristina Keneally slammed the current arrangement: "This is an extraordinary waste of public money. To spend over £900 million per year to detain 15 people demonstrates this government's complete mismanagement of our immigration system."
What This Means for Australian Taxpayers
The staggering costs break down to approximately £166,000 per detainee daily, raising serious questions about fiscal responsibility and policy effectiveness. With Australia facing economic challenges post-pandemic, critics argue these funds could be better allocated to healthcare, education, or domestic infrastructure projects.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil defended the expenditure: "The cost of not having a strong border protection policy would be far greater. We've seen before what happens when people smugglers think Australia is open for business."
The Human Cost Behind the Numbers
While financial figures dominate headlines, refugee advocacy groups emphasize the human dimension. Many detainees have spent years in offshore processing despite being approved for resettlement, creating what advocates call "a crisis of indefinite detention."
As the debate continues, questions remain about how long Australian taxpayers will continue funding what critics call "the world's most expensive empty hotel" and whether alternative border protection measures might prove more cost-effective.
