ISIS Brides’ Secret Return to Australia Exposed: Government Under Fire for ‘Dreadful’ Decision to Allow Terror-Linked Women to Resettle in the Country
- Tony Burke’s Home Affairs Ministry grilled over handling of ISIS brides’ return, with government accused of putting national security at risk
- Australian Federal Police confirm ongoing investigation into the women, who were detained in Beirut after escaping Syria
- Government refuses to reveal where the women and children have resettled, citing ‘risk sensitivity’ and sparking fears for community safety
The Albanese government is facing intense scrutiny over its handling of the return of two ISIS brides and their four children to Australia, with the Home Affairs Ministry accused of making a “dreadful” decision that puts national security at risk.
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt confirmed that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) are conducting an investigation into the women, who were part of a cohort that escaped Syria after the collapse of the Islamic State in 2019.
“I can assure you that we have appropriate investigations, criminal investigations underway in relation to those who require criminal investigation as part of an Australian cohort offshore and their return,” Mr Nutt said.
The women, who were detained in Beirut, Lebanon, arrived in Australia on September 26, with the government aware of their plans since June. However, the government has refused to confirm basic details about the return, including where the women and children have resettled.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the women had made an “absolutely dreadful decision” to join the Islamic State, but defended the government’s handling of their return, saying that Australian citizens are entitled to return to the country.
“This is not the first time that Australian citizens who made that decision have returned. When Australian citizens seek to return to Australia, they are able to do so,” Mr Burke said.
However, the government’s decision has sparked fears for community safety, with Western Sydney Fowler MP Dai Le saying that her electorate’s multicultural communities need confidence that the ISIS bride cohort will not be resettled in her community.
“The government needs to be transparent about the risks associated with the return of these individuals and the measures they are taking to mitigate those risks,” Ms Le said.
The AFP confirmed that the investigation into the women is ongoing, with Mr Nutt saying that the force is being “very cautious” about what aspects of the case would be made public.
“I’ll say there is an investigation and the reason why there is an investigation is why I’m being very cautious about any public comment that could have an adverse effect to this investigation,” Mr Nutt said.
The government’s handling of the ISIS brides’ return has also sparked criticism from the opposition, with Liberal Senator James Paterson accusing the government of putting national security at risk.
“The government’s decision to allow these individuals to return to Australia without proper scrutiny and oversight is a serious concern,” Senator Paterson said.