NSW Authorities Prepare for Potential Return of IS-Linked Women and Children from Syria
New South Wales is making preparations for the possible return of a group of Australian women and children linked to Islamic State militants from Syria, as debates intensify over their repatriation. Premier Chris Minns has confirmed that state agencies have been collaborating with federal government bodies since late 2025 to address this complex issue, with a strong law enforcement response anticipated if the individuals are allowed to leave the Roj refugee camp in eastern Syria.
Political and Humanitarian Concerns Escalate
The group, consisting of 11 women and 23 children, attempted to depart the camp last week but was blocked by Syrian government authorities. This development has sparked a heated debate between the federal government and the Coalition in Canberra, with the opposition calling for new rules to prevent their return. Premier Minns expressed no sympathy for adults who left Australia to join terrorist organizations but emphasized deep concern for the welfare of children trapped in a dangerous and deteriorating environment.
Minns stated, "The reality is NSW government agencies have been working with the Commonwealth since the end of last year about possible arrivals from Syria, from refugee camps. It's been on an official-to-officials level, and it has to do with what happens if, or when, they return to NSW." He added that existing laws are robust for those who join terrorist groups overseas and assured that education services would be provided for children if they return to the state.
Legal and Legislative Challenges
Under the Passport Act, Australian citizens are generally entitled to passports, with limited restrictions such as arrest warrants. However, the federal opposition, led by Angus Taylor, plans to introduce legislation to criminalize facilitating the re-entry of individuals linked to terror organizations. Taylor challenged Labor to support this plan, stating, "We will take action and refuse to let people come here who abandoned Australia to support Islamic extremist terror overseas."
Meanwhile, one woman in the group has been issued a temporary exclusion order, banning her entry to Australia for up to two years. Reports from the Roj camp describe near-nightly raids, violent beatings, and deteriorating conditions, with Kurdish officials refusing to return tents after the group's attempted departure, leaving them scattered and billeted with other families.
Humanitarian Appeals and Political Rhetoric
Mat Tinkler, CEO of Save the Children, warned against tough political rhetoric from both sides, urging a principled, evidence-based approach. He told ABC TV, "It feels we've got a hardening position from the government and opposition, that's seeking to deal with what's seen as a political problem or a political opportunity. It's not seeking to take a principled evidence-based, values-based stance on how to deal with the challenging situation that these women and these innocent children have found themselves in."
As NSW prepares for this potential return, the situation highlights ongoing tensions between national security concerns and humanitarian responsibilities, with implications for Australian politics and international relations in the Middle East.
