Labor anger over cuts to welfare

CUTTING support for asylum seekers in Australia before they are sent offshore is Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s “weakest move yet”, Opposition leader Bill Shorten says.

Human rights advocates say about 100 people will be immediately affected by the Turnbull Government’s crackdown, but estimate the number could be as high as 400.

They will reportedly face a three-week deadline to move out of government-supported accommodation.

“Kicking people on to the streets with no support is needlessly cruel and really, really dumb,” Mr Shorten said.

“It won’t fix anything. It’s just hurting vulnerable and sick people for the sake of it.

“These people should be eligible for settlement in the United States or other countries in our region – so they have a permanent home.”

Human Services Minister Alan Tudge said the move was consistent with the principle that anybody who arrived by boat would not be settled in Australia.

“They will be settled elsewhere,” he said. He did not think it was unreasonable to withdraw taxpayer support if they refused to return to Manus Island or Nauru.