The Coalition has unveiled a proposal to introduce a new criminal offence targeting individuals who assist people linked to Islamic State, intensifying political debate over the potential return of Australians detained in Syria.
The proposal comes as federal politicians continue discussions regarding the possible repatriation of 11 Australian women — often referred to as “ISIS brides” — and 23 children currently held in detention camps in northern Syria due to their association with the extremist group.
Coalition leader Angus Taylor said the new measure would make it a criminal offence for any person to help individuals connected to terrorist organisations return to Australia “through the back door.”
“We need to make sure that Australians are protected against those who are associated with terrorist organisations or those who have been to terrorist zones,” Mr Taylor said. “There must be consequences for anyone who assists them to come back to Australia.”
Under existing law, it is already illegal to travel to designated terrorist hotspots or to provide support to a listed terrorist organisation. Mr Taylor said the Coalition’s proposal would extend those provisions to criminalise assistance provided to individuals who had visited designated conflict zones or supported groups such as Islamic State.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has confirmed that the group of 34 women and children in Syria have been issued Australian passports, but he has insisted the government is not facilitating their return.
Mr Taylor said the proposed law would include certain exemptions, though details have not yet been fully outlined.
Since Islamic State lost territorial control in Syria in 2019, former fighters, along with their wives and children from multiple countries, have remained detained in camps administered by Kurdish authorities. Although the militant group no longer controls territory, it continues to operate sleeper cells capable of carrying out attacks in Syria and Iraq.
Australian governments have previously repatriated women and children from Syrian detention camps on two occasions. Other Australian nationals have also returned independently, without direct government assistance.
The Coalition’s proposal signals that national security and border protection are likely to remain central issues in federal political debate in the months ahead.
