Australian citizens in Syria: Government aware of women and children's situation

Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the government understands the situation of citizens in Syria. Decisions about bringing them home are made with great care.
By Newsroom | Politics, International Relations |

Australian women and children, with ties to the Islamic State group, remain a focus for the Australian government. While efforts are made to address their situation, law enforcement agencies continue to interdict illicit activities within the country.

Tony Burke, Australia's Minister for Home Affairs, has stated that the government has an understanding of the "state of mind" of Australian women and children currently in Syria. This declaration comes amidst ongoing discussions and decisions regarding the potential repatriation of these individuals, some of whom have connections to the self-proclaimed Islamic State. The government emphasizes that any decisions on repatriation are made with considerable deliberation.

Concurrently, Australian Federal Police have carried out significant seizures, most recently detaining 28 kilograms of cocaine hidden within a luxury bus in South Australia. This action highlights the government's commitment to combating drug trafficking.

Context: Repatriation and Law Enforcement

The issue of Australian citizens, particularly women and children, residing in Syrian conflict zones has been a persistent concern.

  • October 2022: Minister Tony Burke stated that the decision to repatriate Australian families linked to IS was "not taken lightly." Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) at the time noted that over 30 Australian children remained in Syrian camps, requiring urgent support.

  • August 2025: In an interview, Burke discussed the complexity of the situation, suggesting the number of Australians in Syria was likely in the "dozens."

  • February 2026: Burke reiterated the government's awareness of the situation for Australians in Syria. This statement was made around the same time as law enforcement actions, such as the 28kg cocaine seizure.

  • February 2026: Earlier in February, Prime Minister Albanese defended the government's position on not assisting a specific group of 34 women and children to return, while acknowledging Australian citizens' right to enter the country. Concerns were raised by the Liberal party about potential risks and the application of temporary exclusion orders.

  • October 2025: Burke was noted to be seeking advice from security agencies regarding Australian women and children in Syria who wished to return. This followed a previous repatriation of families in October 2025, a group that the government did not directly assist in their return.

Evidence of Government Stance and Actions

Statements and actions provide insight into the government's approach:

  • Citizenship Rights: Burke has affirmed that "Under Australian law, if you’re a citizen and you apply for a passport, you get a passport." This underscores the legal right of citizens to return.

  • Deliberation on Repatriation: Burke stressed that decisions regarding repatriation "were not taken lightly," indicating a careful consideration of all factors involved.

  • Security Agency Involvement: A government spokesperson confirmed that "Our security agencies have been monitoring – and continue to monitor – the situation in Syria to ensure they are prepared for any Australians seeking to return to Australia."

  • Legal Consequences: Burke made it clear that "if there are any breaches of the law then they will face the full force of the Australian law."

  • Law Enforcement Success: The Australian Federal Police's seizure of 28kg of cocaine demonstrates ongoing efforts against criminal activity.

Complexities of Repatriation

The repatriation of individuals with ties to extremist groups presents a multifaceted challenge.

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Security Concerns vs. Citizenship

  • Security Concerns: Figures like Liberal Senator Jonno Duniam have urged the government to "do everything to prevent these people from re-entering Australia while they present a risk," suggesting temporary exclusion orders for those who joined IS fighters.

  • Citizenship Rights: Conversely, the government acknowledges the legal right of Australian citizens to return. Burke stated, "The Australian citizens, of course, have the right to enter Australia."

Children's Responsibility

  • Protecting Children: There is a recognized principle that "Children should not be held responsible for their parents’ actions." This often forms a key argument for the repatriation of minors.

  • Uncertainty: Despite statements acknowledging the presence of children, specific numbers and circumstances surrounding their welfare in Syrian camps continue to be a point of discussion, with NGOs highlighting that over 30 children remained in camps as of late 2022.

  • Temporary Exclusion Orders (TEOs): These orders, under counter-terror legislation, can prevent individuals outside Australia from entering for up to two years, representing a tool available to the government.

  • Application of Australian Law: The government has indicated that "Australian law applies and there are obligations that Australian officials have."

Expert Analysis

Dr. Graham Thom, Refugee Rights Advisor at Amnesty International Australia, has commented on the urgent need for support for the young women and children in Syrian camps, welcoming repatriations while noting the ongoing presence of many children. His remarks underscore the humanitarian aspect of the situation.

Conclusion and Implications

The Australian government, through Minister Tony Burke, acknowledges the presence and "state of mind" of Australian citizens, including women and children, in Syria. Decisions regarding their repatriation are subject to rigorous assessment, balancing security considerations with the legal rights of citizens. Simultaneously, law enforcement agencies remain active in combating criminal activities, as evidenced by the significant cocaine seizure.

The situation highlights the intricate challenges of managing citizens associated with extremist groups abroad, requiring careful navigation of legal, security, and humanitarian imperatives. The government's ongoing monitoring by security agencies suggests a preparedness for potential returns, alongside a commitment to enforcing Australian law.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Australian government's current stance on citizens in Syria?
Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated the government understands the 'state of mind' of Australian women and children in Syria. Decisions about repatriation are made with careful consideration.
Q: How many Australians are believed to be in Syria?
Minister Tony Burke suggested in August 2025 that the number of Australians in Syria was likely in the 'dozens'. This includes women and children with ties to the Islamic State group.
Q: Why are decisions about bringing Australians back from Syria complex?
The repatriation is complex due to security concerns versus citizenship rights. The government must balance the legal right of citizens to return with potential risks, using tools like temporary exclusion orders.
Q: What is the government's approach to children in Syrian camps?
There is a recognition that children should not be held responsible for their parents' actions. NGOs reported over 30 Australian children were in Syrian camps in late 2022, needing urgent support.
Q: What law enforcement actions are happening alongside repatriation discussions?
Australian Federal Police are actively combating illicit activities. Recently, they seized 28 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a luxury bus in South Australia, showing ongoing efforts against drug trafficking.