The Australian parliament passed a controversial immigration bill on Thursday, allowing for all asylum seekers to have their applications processed off the mainland in Nauru and Manus Island.
In an effort to deter asylum seekers, the legislation that excises the mainland from the migration zone, effectively removes the previous advantage to asylum seekers who reached the mainland by boat, whereby they could not be sent offshore for processing.
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The bill, brought forward by the government, was supported by the opposition. The government and opposition also joined forces to reject a bid to open up the Nauru and Manus island detention centres for inspection by Australia's Human Rights Commissioner, reported the SMH.
Amnesty International's refugee campaigner, Graeme Mc Gregor said she was appalled by the decision.
"Now the Government has changed the law to suit their policies. This doesn't change the fact that this is an inhumane, ineffective and expensive policy that ignores Australia's responsibilities to people who need our protection."