Key facts
- Asylum seekers on Nauru are experiencing severe food and water insecurity.
- The Australian government spent over $9 million per asylum seeker on Nauru in the last financial year.
- Nearly all surveyed asylum seekers find the $260 fortnightly allowance insufficient for food, water, and other necessities.
- High import costs and limited availability contribute to the unaffordability of basic goods on Nauru.
- A significant majority of respondents reported a lack of access to clean drinking water.
Asylum seekers and refugees held on Nauru are struggling to afford basic necessities, including food and clean drinking water, despite the Australian government's significant expenditure on offshore processing. A new survey by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) found that nearly all of the 78 individuals surveyed reported that the $260 fortnightly allowance provided by the Australian government was insufficient to cover their needs.
Many asylum seekers are reportedly skipping meals to make ends meet. The high cost of imported goods on Nauru, where over 90% of food is imported, exacerbates the problem. For instance, vegetables like tomatoes can cost up to three times more than in Australia, and a single banana has reportedly increased in price significantly. Shortages of staple foods like rice have also been reported, with potential delays in resupply.
The ASRC survey also highlighted issues with access to clean drinking water, with 82% of respondents stating they did not have adequate access. Some asylum seekers have resorted to fishing to supplement their diets, but have faced theft of their equipment. The report concludes that the offshore detention system is 'completely broken' and failing to meet basic standards of safety and human dignity.
In the 2025-26 financial year, the Australian government allocated $971.6 million for the offshore management of unauthorized maritime arrivals, equating to approximately $9.6 million per person. Private contractor MTC Australia is set to receive $791.2 million over five years to operate the processing centre, while International Health and Medical Services will receive $106.5 million for medical services.
An Australian Home Affairs spokesperson stated that allowance payments are regularly reviewed to ensure they are fit for purpose and based on the local cost of living, designed to promote self-sufficiency. The spokesperson also asserted that individuals are treated with respect and dignity in accordance with human rights standards.