A deal to resettle refugees currently in Australia in New Zealand is expected to be finalised in the "very near future", according to Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews.
The deal was first struck by former prime minister Julia Gillard in 2013 and would see 150 asylum seekers a year resettled across the ditch.
The Coalition has been hesitant to follow through with the agreement because it was concerned it could see refugees who go to New Zealand try and travel back to Australia and settle permanently here.
The government had previously said it would be inclined to accept the offer, but only if it could make sure there were rules to stop people from coming back.
"There has to be, to satisfy the Australian government's policy, some kind of iron clad or if not quite iron clad, firm blocking and I'll use the term that's been short-handedly used 'back door' … way for a person to arrive … to de facto settle in Australia," Home Affairs Secretary Mike Pezzullo told Senate Estimates this week.
While Mr Pezzullo would not commit to a timeline for when the talks would finish, he said both sides were hoping for an "early resolution".
Ms Andrews indicated it may not be far away.
"I've been working very closely with my counterpart in New Zealand for a number of months now, it has been a very cooperative discussion, we are both trying to make sure that we can reach a good outcome on a resettlement option," she said.
"My understanding is that there are further discussions that will need to take place with cabinet in New Zealand.
Senate Estimates heard there was an "in principle" agreement between the two governments and the New Zealand cabinet would now consider the proposal from the Australian government to address its concerns.
Australia's treatment of refugees was once again in the spotlight earlier this year after Novak Djokovic was detained in the same hotel as a number of asylum seekers, some of which have been there for many years.
Residents of the Park Hotel in Melbourne complained about maggots and mouldy food, medical neglect and a lack of hygiene in detention.
