Having stopped the boats and closed 19 detention centres, the Morrison Government is now spending a billion dollars less every year on onshore detention arrangements than when it first came to office.
New figures reveal that the cost of onshore detention and compliance last financial year was $649 million, whereas it was costing $1.66 billion in 2012-13 and $1.89 billion in 2013-14.
Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said the savings of a billion dollars per year is the financial dividend of getting control of our borders, after Labor disastrously lost control.
"Under Labor, more than 50,000 people arrived illegally on over 800 boats, 1200 people died at sea and over 8000 children were forcibly placed into detention," Mr Tudge said.
"To manage this crisis, Labor had to open 17 detention centres. The cost of them losing control of our borders is $17 billion and counting.
"Of course, the human tragedy that resulted is immeasurable."
There are currently 1550 people in immigration detention, down from a record 10,200 in July 2013 under Labor. More than 70 per cent of those currently in detention have a criminal history and are being deported as a result.
