The Australian Opposition's immigration spokesperson says he believes Nauru is open to greater media access to the island, but the federal government needs to convince it why it should.
Richard Marles Photo: AFP
Richard Marles told Sky News it would be in Nauru's interests to be transparent, and that he understands why the island is wary about hosting journalists given what he calls some of the appalling and bigoted coverage of its detention facilities.
However the dire conditions in the camps on the island have been strongly condemned by Australian politicians, welfare agencies, NGOs and former staff.
Media have been excluded since early last year after the government imposed a prohibitive, non-refundable journalist's visa application fee of US$5,000.
However last week a journalist for the newspaper The Australian was allowed in, though his employer refuses to say whether the fee was waived.
Meanwhile Nauru's Justice Minister, David Adeang, this week rejected calls for greater access, saying the country's government has no obligation to answer to foreign media.
He claims the Australian media approach Nauru with great arrogance and an air of racial superiority.
Mr Adeang says if the country allowed journalists to visit, refugees who are living peacefully would be asked by refugee advocates to start rioting for the cameras.
