Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull Warns Against Being "Misty-Eyed" Over Manus Island Closure

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull insists the Manus Island detainees will not be resettled in Australia.

This, despite a Papua New Guinea Supreme Court ruling that found asylum seekers were being illegally held in detention.

According to ABC News, PM Turnbull told press this morning that Australia “cannot be misty-eyed” about the decision.

"We have to be very clear and determined in our national purpose,” he added.

“We must have secure borders and we do and we will, and they will remain so, as long as I am the Prime Minister of this country."

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has told Sky News there is room at Nauru for the 850 men still being held at Manus Island. (Earlier this week, a refugee set himself on fire on Nauru, in what has been described as a “political protest”. He remains in critical condition.)

Christmas Island has also been floated as an alternative place of detention for the Manus Island detainees.

However, Dutton noted that Australia is still seeking other available options in Papua New Guinea.

Yesterday, PNG’s Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said he would close Manus Island’s detention centre and “immediately ask the Australian government to make alternative arrangements for the asylum seekers currently held at the Regional Processing Centre.”

Photo: ABC News.