27 Mar 2015

Australian Immigration Minister warns critics of Nauru deal

11:23 am on 27 March 2015

Australia's Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has warned critics of the coalition's refugee policies to stop "slagging off the good people of Nauru".

Protesting asylum seekers on Nauru.

Protesting asylum seekers on Nauru. Photo: Supplied

Mr Dutton vigorously defended living conditions for refugees on Nauru amid recent protests and claims of mistreatment by local residents and authorities.

He dismissed the criticism as offensive to the welcoming locals, describing them as people with big hearts.

Mr Dutton told reporters in Canberra a field hospital for Australian troops he visited in Afghanistan was not up to the same standard as the Nauru hospital.

He also added that classes for refugee children on Nauru were at the same educational standard as Australia.

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