The ‘Nauru files,’ which detail reports of abuse in Australia’s asylum-seeker detention centre on Nauru, have received global attention since their release. They should provide a flashpoint for the Turnbull government to reassess the longstanding policy of offshore detention of asylum seekers before more serious harm is inflicted both on those detained and on Australia’s international standing.

With international summits to be hosted by the United Nations and U.S President, Barack Obama, in September aimed at tackling the global refugee crisis, the spotlight will be firmly on Australia’s record – and how we can do better.