The PNG policy was announced at the same time as a peaceful protest at Australia's other regional processing centre, on the island of Nauru, escalated into a riot that caused $60 million in damage and left four people hospitalised.
An Immigration Department spokeswoman says detainees
burned buildings to the ground, including the accommodation blocks, which can house 600 people.
The health centre and the dining room were also destroyed.
Nauru detention centre
burnt to ground during riot at cost of $60m
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