Opponents have accused Australia's PM of using immigration scare tactics to boost poll numbers.
A group of asylum seekers is to get medical treatment at a remote detention center 1,000 miles off the coast of Australia after being deemed a security risk. The move comes amid a debate about Canberra's hard-line immigration policy.
Christmas Island Immigration Detention Centre Entry, on July 26, 2013 on Christmas Island. A group of male asylum seekers have been sent there instead of Australia for medical treatment. Scott Fisher/Getty Images Morrison said on Wednesday the asylum seekers who will be treated are a “national security threat” and stand accused of crimes such as sexual assault and extremism.
Morrison hinted that despite the reopening of the facilities on Christmas Island, asylum seekers with serious medical issues would still be flown to the mainland for treatment. But Morrison has been accused by his opponents of exploiting immigration fears to boost his popularity in the polls ahead of an election, which has to take place by May.
"I don't think Christmas Island in the current state is equipped to be a medical evacuation center. It's very small, the facilities are very basic," Dr. Munjed Al Muderis told SBS News.
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