Angus Taylor, the leader of the Coalition, stated on Today that any assistance given to individuals attempting to return “through the back door” would be considered illegal under the proposed legislation.
“We must ensure the safety of Australians from those linked to terrorist groups or who have traveled to conflict zones, and there should be repercussions for anyone aiding their return to Australia,” he emphasized.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has clarified that while passports have been issued to a group of 34 women and children in Syria, the government is not facilitating their return.
When questioned about the criteria for prosecution, Taylor explained that it would focus on individuals who have visited “designated hot spots” for terrorism or have supported groups like Islamic State.
The leader of the Liberal Party expressed his willingness to endorse the Albanese government if they choose to extend the law to penalize those who assist terrorists or their affiliates.
“Visiting a terrorist hotspot or supporting a terrorist organization is already illegal,” Taylor reiterated.
“And this would extend to anyone who wanted to bring those people back to Australia through the back door. That would also be a crime.”
He said his planned new law would allow for some exemptions.
Former Islamic State fighters from multiple countries, their wives and children have been detained in camps since the militant group lost control of its territory in Syria in 2019.
Though defeated, the group still has sleeper cells that carry out deadly attacks in both Syria and Iraq.
Australian governments have repatriated Australian women and children from Syrian detention camps on two occasions. Other Australians have also returned without government assistance.
– Reported with Associated Press
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