Australia's Limited Options for Blocking Return of Citizens from Syrian Camp
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has declared that the Australian government is "actively making sure we do nothing to help" citizens stranded in a Syrian detention camp return to Australia. The minister's stark admission highlights the complex legal and security challenges surrounding 34 Australian women and children who remain in the Roj camp in north-eastern Syria.
Security Assessments and Temporary Exclusion Orders
Burke revealed that authorities have detailed knowledge of each individual in the group, stating they "know the state of mind and the effective ideology of different individuals." Despite this intelligence, the minister acknowledged that legislative powers to prevent Australian citizens from entering the country are extremely limited. This week, one woman from the group was issued with a temporary exclusion order banning her entry to Australia for up to two years.
"Other than a temporary exclusion order, there isn't a legislative power to be able to stop an Australian citizen from entering Australia," Burke explained during an interview with ABC's Insiders program. The cohort consists of 11 women and 23 children who are the wives, widows and children of slain or jailed Islamic State fighters, many of whom arrived in Syria during the mid-2010s.
Political Criticism and National Security Debate
The Coalition has intensified its criticism of the government's response, with Shadow Attorney General Michaelia Cash accusing Burke of lacking "political courage" to use available exclusion orders. Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson argued that every woman in the group should face charges for traveling to join an Islamist caliphate against official advice and laws.
Burke strongly defended his position, questioning whether opposition members were "fit" to handle national security matters. "Anyone who has that sort of view is not fit to handle the nation's security," he stated, referring to suggestions that ministers should have broader discretionary powers.
Deteriorating Conditions and Political Rhetoric Concerns
The situation in the Roj camp has become increasingly unstable, with reports of nightly raids, violent beatings, and deteriorating living conditions. Kurdish officials currently manage the camp, but control is expected to transfer to the Syrian government, potentially leading to its closure.
When asked about the government's plan if the camp closes, Burke responded that the individuals would be in an "intolerable position" due to their own decisions. He also addressed controversial comments by One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson, who recently claimed she did not believe there were any "good Muslims."
Burke warned that such inflammatory rhetoric creates national security risks by potentially inciting violence and undermining social cohesion. "It's not just the cruelty of [her comments]. There's a national security angle here as well," he emphasized, noting that federal police have received crime reports related to Hanson's statements.
Legislative Framework and Hate Group Designations
The minister confirmed that the Australian chapter of Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir could soon be banned under new hate group legislation passed in January. Under these laws, associating with, recruiting for, or providing support to designated hate groups can result in up to 15 years imprisonment for those found guilty of intentionally directing such organizations.
Burke represents a south-western Sydney electorate with a significant Muslim population and expressed concern about how political rhetoric affects community relations. He recalled that when Hanson previously visited the suburb of Lakemba, she was met with warmth and hospitality rather than protest, suggesting her recent comments were deliberately provocative.
The ongoing debate highlights the tension between national security concerns, citizenship rights, and Australia's international obligations as conditions in Syrian detention camps continue to worsen.
