Angus Taylor questions ASIO security advice on ISIS families' return

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor is questioning security advice from ASIO regarding Australian citizens with alleged ISIS links trying to return from Syria. He believes national security should come first.
By Newsroom | Politics, National Security |

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has pointedly avoided endorsing security assessments from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) regarding a group of Australian citizens with alleged links to ISIS, who are seeking to return from Syria. Instead, Taylor has publicly stated a lack of trust in the current government, emphasizing that Australian interests and security must take precedence over individuals who have supported terrorist organisations.

The core of the controversy lies in the push by Taylor and the Coalition to prevent the return of four women and their nine children and grandchildren, who have reportedly left a Syrian refugee camp. Taylor asserts that Australian citizens linked to former ISIS fighters pose a direct security risk and advocates for government action to block their re-entry.

Opposition Intensifies Rhetoric

Taylor’s remarks, made on the ABC's Insiders program, signal an escalation in the Coalition's stance. He has also introduced a controversial amendment to the "Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Act," proposing that only individuals born in Australia should hold sensitive positions within national security, intelligence, or the Home Office. This move, directly referencing the Bondi Beach massacre and the situation of the ISIS-linked families, has been framed by Taylor as a necessary safeguard against perceived risks from those with "dual loyalty" or who "chose ISIS over Australia."

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The proposed amendment has generated significant political friction. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has denounced it as a "blatant racist attack" designed to exploit fear and divide the nation. However, polling in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland reportedly shows a surge in support for Taylor's position, indicating public sentiment is swayed by lingering fears of terrorism.

The Albanese government, while denying it is actively facilitating the group's return, has maintained a stance that Australian citizens meeting eligibility requirements must be issued passports. This is unless a security agency like ASIO formally requests cancellation on national security grounds. The government's position is underscored by the fact that it has a legal obligation to provide passports to eligible citizens.

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Meanwhile, efforts have been made by some non-government organisations, like one reportedly lobbied by Mr Tinkler, to advocate for the repatriation of these citizens on humanitarian grounds, particularly for the children. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has issued temporary exclusion orders, banning re-entry for individuals for up to two years. Discussions between commonwealth and state officials regarding the cohort’s return have been ongoing since late last year.

A Divisive Issue

The debate highlights a deep division regarding national security, citizenship, and the handling of individuals with alleged extremist ties. The Coalition’s legislative efforts include drafting a bill to criminalise any assistance to the return of these ISIS-linked Australians. The opposition has also accused the government of remaining silent when male ISIS fighters returned to Australia under the previous government.

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The complex situation involves 34 Australian women and children detained in Syria, some of whom have never left Australia, having been born in the camp. The circumstances surrounding their departure and potential return remain a focal point of political and public discourse, further complicated by international parallels in debates over dual citizenship and national security in the face of rising populist sentiment and terrorism fears.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Angus Taylor questioning ASIO security advice on ISIS families?
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has stated he does not trust the government's security assessments regarding Australian citizens with alleged ISIS links who want to return from Syria. He believes national security is more important than these individuals.
Q: What is Angus Taylor's main concern about the ISIS-linked families returning?
Taylor is concerned that the four women and their nine children and grandchildren, who are reportedly leaving a Syrian camp, pose a direct security risk to Australia. He wants to prevent their re-entry.
Q: What new law is Angus Taylor proposing?
Taylor has proposed an amendment to the 'Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Act'. This amendment suggests that only people born in Australia should hold sensitive jobs in national security, intelligence, or the Home Office.
Q: How has the government responded to Taylor's proposals?
Foreign Minister Penny Wong called Taylor's proposed amendment a 'blatant racist attack'. The Albanese government maintains it has a legal duty to issue passports to eligible citizens unless ASIO advises against it for security reasons.
Q: What is the government's current action regarding these families?
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has issued temporary exclusion orders, which ban re-entry for up to two years. Discussions about the group's return have been happening between government officials since late last year.