Connect Settlement Services abandons Nauru

Connect Settlement Services, the company that provides welfare services for refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru, has told the federal government it will not re-apply when its contract lapses in December.

The company, which has about 100 staff on the island, provides health and education services and helps refugees look for work in the Nauru community.

Connect staff on Nauru were told the company believed it was not suited to deal with the complex child protection and mental health cases its staff were facing. It is understood Connect staff have raised concerns with the Australian government about the wellbeing and safety of its clients.

The announcement means all major service providers working on Nauru are planning to leave.

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