PM Turnbull Says Nope to Kiwi PM's Offer to Take Manus Island Refugees

This is not a good thing.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has declined New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's offer to take in 150 of Manus Island's remaining refugees, explaining that he wants to wait for the outcome of the U.S. deal struck last year.

There are 600 male refugees left without power, food and water on Manus Island, following the closure of its detention facility last week.

The Government has said these people have been built alternative accommodation nearby but there are reports that this housing is not yet ready and will put some of the refugees in great danger.

Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton has gone on 2GB Radio to explain that the Government will not budge from this position.

"These people can go back to their countries of origin if they have been found not to be refugees or they can settle in PNG like many people have done before them," Dutton explained.

Even actor Russell Crowe has chimed in to offer his support where the Government won't. WARNING: Coarse language.

The situation is quite dire for these 600 refugees, so NZ PM Ardern stepped in to offer help, though it was turned down by Turnbull (for now).

"We, of course, do not have the circumstances that Australia is operating under, but we also cannot ignore the human face of what Australia is dealing with," Ardern said in the press conference. "The offer absolutely remains on the table."

People are understandably frustrated with Turnbull's decision as the U.S. deal is hinged on what President Donald Trump decides. A scary thought.

Meanwhile, refugee and awarded journalist Behrouz Boochani has been tweeting the whole situation on Manus as it unfolds on Twitter. 

While political ideologies challenge each other over what the "right" thing to do is, let's not forget that these are humans, and proven refugees, that Australia as a nation is leaving to starve.

Photo: Sky News Australia