Nauru issues rare statement after whistleblower alleges violent threats against Australia’s non-citizens

Nauran government says its citizens are ‘friendly’ after MP spoke of serious threats allegedly made against former Australian detainees

The Nauruan government has issued a rare statement insisting it is a “friendly” and “welcoming” country after a whistleblower alleged “serious threats of physical violence” were made against a group of non-citizens removed there by the Albanese government.

The unexpected defence, sent shortly after midday Thursday, was mounted hours after independent MP Andrew Wilkie used his three-minute constituency statement to read claims from an anonymous whistleblower familiar with the arrangements of the secretive $2.5bn deal between Australia and Nauru.

The person, who claimed to be involved in the process through their employment, said the serious threats arose from “numerous conversations” and “were not idly made”.

“They were said with a tone and gravity that indicated, at best, an indifference to the dignity and wellbeing of the removed cohort, and at worst, an active desire to cause them serious harm,” Wilkie said, reading out the whistleblower’s statement.

“I came to understand that those responsible for overseeing the removed cohort had a fundamental lack of respect for the humanity and rights of the cohort.

“The threats included comments that those removed were, quote, ‘absolute fucking pieces of shit’, who in Nauru would be mistreated in such a way to make, quote, ‘very clear’ how they are going to be managed for the rest of their lives.”

The person said they needed to remain anonymous due to fears about their employment security and physical safety.