A translation of the Nauruan president’s remarks will stay suppressed for a decade – but secrecy in Australia’s offshore policy is nothing new

From Scott Morrison's on-water matters' to the Albanese government's MOU with Nauru, successive governments' attitude to legitimate scrutiny has been one of hostility

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Offshore, secrecy dominates. But it doesn't stop at the water's edge.

In February, Australia brokered a new offshore arrangement with Nauru, striking a deal to send members of the so-called NZYQ cohort - non-citizens with criminal histories - to the Pacific island. Australia would give Nauru more than $400m in exchange.