Australia’s PM faces scrutiny over return of ISIS women, children
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined on Monday to explain his government’s role in the return of women linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) and their children to Australia from Syria, amid growing political criticism and public concern over national security.
Albanese reiterated that reports about the government’s involvement in repatriating the women were “not accurate,” adding that “Australia did not provide assistance” and that the women, as Australian citizens, had the right to return, according to Sky News Australia.
The controversy follows reports that two women and four children arrived in Australia over the weekend, marking what is believed to be the third group of ISIS-linked individuals to return since 2019.
After leaving Syria, the women were detained in Beirut, and later processed by Lebanese and Australian authorities before being issued passports, according to a previous report by ABC Australia.
The opposition accused the Labor government of secrecy and failing to be transparent about the return. Shadow Immigration Minister Paul Scarr said the government “must provide answers,” questioning whether it knowingly facilitated the women’s return or if it occurred without its awareness.
Scarr warned that “both scenarios are deeply concerning,” emphasizing that “the safety of Australians must always come first.” Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also expressed “grave concern” over what she called a “highly dangerous cohort” returning to the country.
Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs denied government involvement, saying that Australian security agencies had monitored the individuals and were “prepared to act in the interests of community safety.”
Australia has repatriated several women and children from Syria since 2019, many of whom were living in Hawl and Roj camps for families of ISIS militants. While countries such as the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Denmark have revoked the citizenship of women linked to ISIS, Australia has opted to reissue passports and allow their return under strict monitoring.