Australians Linked to ISIS Return to Victoria in September 2025 Amidst Public Concern

Six Australians linked to ISIS have returned to Victoria in September 2025. This is a small group compared to the estimated 60 still overseas.
By Newsroom | World News, Australia |

Tensions Rise as Australians Associated with ISIS Re-enter the Country

Recent events have ignited a robust debate concerning the return of Australian citizens who joined or were associated with the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria. The arrival of some individuals, including women and children, has sparked significant public and political concern, prompting questions about government policy, national security, and the very definition of Australian citizenship. The core tension lies between the government's obligation to its citizens and the perceived risks associated with individuals who voluntarily left a stable nation for a conflict zone.

PETER VAN ONSELEN: ISIS brides CHOSE to leave a safe, wealthy and free nation for a hellscape of slavery, beheadings and rape. Albo, don't let Australia sleepwalk into a nightmare - 1

Context: A Complex Web of Citizenship and Conflict

The issue of Australians linked to ISIS returning home has been developing over several years. Reports indicate that approximately 60 Australian men, women, and children remain overseas, with a portion residing in Syrian displacement camps.

PETER VAN ONSELEN: ISIS brides CHOSE to leave a safe, wealthy and free nation for a hellscape of slavery, beheadings and rape. Albo, don't let Australia sleepwalk into a nightmare - 2

  • In September 2025, two women and four children, identified as Australian citizens, arrived in Victoria after self-extricating from a Syrian camp. This quiet arrival preceded a broader public discussion.

  • Authorities anticipate further returns, with federal police expecting more individuals to come back from Syria. The exact number remains fluid.

  • The situation is complicated by the control of the camps by Kurdish-led authorities and the necessity of coordinating with the Syrian government for any travel to Damascus.

Evidence: Conflicting Accounts and Official Positions

Information regarding the individuals and the government's response is drawn from various news outlets and official statements.

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PETER VAN ONSELEN: ISIS brides CHOSE to leave a safe, wealthy and free nation for a hellscape of slavery, beheadings and rape. Albo, don't let Australia sleepwalk into a nightmare - 3

  • Citizenship Status: Despite their actions, the women and children are considered Australian citizens. This status persists even if the women made the choice to leave Australia and the children have never set foot in the country.

  • Government Stance: The Prime Minister's position, as articulated, is that the Commonwealth will not facilitate their return. This is framed as a baseline policy, suggesting that any return would be a consequence of the individuals' own actions in seeking to travel without Australian assistance.

  • Arrivals: A planned departure of 34 Australians from a Syrian detention camp in late 2025 was halted. However, two women and four children did arrive in Victoria in September 2025.

  • Unknown Offenses: It remains unclear whether the returning women have committed any terrorism-related offenses.

Voluntary Departure and Unforeseen Consequences

A key point of contention is the voluntary nature of the departure of some women from Australia to join ISIS.

PETER VAN ONSELEN: ISIS brides CHOSE to leave a safe, wealthy and free nation for a hellscape of slavery, beheadings and rape. Albo, don't let Australia sleepwalk into a nightmare - 4

  • These individuals chose to leave a safe, prosperous, and free nation.

  • They entered a "hellscape" characterized by extreme violence and oppression.

  • The decision to leave is viewed by some as a primary factor in their current predicament, implying that any need for assistance in returning is a direct result of their own choices.

The Question of Facilitating Return

The government's policy on actively assisting the return of these individuals is a central point of debate.

  • The Prime Minister's stated position is a refusal to facilitate their return, indicating that the government will not actively help them come back to Australia.

  • This stance suggests that the onus is on the individuals to arrange their own departure if they wish to return.

  • Concerns are raised that the government might be "sleepwalking into a nightmare" if it does not maintain a firm policy on preventing the return of "Islamic State fellow travellers."

The Children's Situation

The presence of children with the returning individuals adds another layer of complexity.

  • These children are Australian citizens by birthright.

  • Their circumstances are distinct from those of the adult women, as they may have had no agency in their journey or upbringing within ISIS-controlled territory.

  • The debate encompasses the question of whether these children should be repatriated, regardless of the actions of their mothers.

Expert Analysis and Public Opinion

Commentary on the issue highlights the delicate balance the government must strike.

  • One viewpoint is that Australia "should not be in the business of helping Islamic State fellow travellers find their way back to Australian streets."

  • Another perspective suggests that governments can and should do better at handling these situations, advocating for formal and transparent repatriation as a matter of urgency to avoid clandestine arrivals.

  • There is anticipation from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) regarding more returns, with liaison officers expected to engage with affected communities.

Conclusion: Navigating Uncharted Territory

The return of Australians linked to ISIS presents a profound challenge. The evidence indicates that while these individuals hold Australian citizenship, their voluntary departure for a conflict zone raises significant security and ethical questions. The government's stated policy of non-facilitation appears to be the current baseline, but the ongoing arrivals, particularly of children, necessitate a continuous and transparent examination of the approach. The situation demands clarity, consistency, and a careful consideration of national security alongside humanitarian concerns. Future steps will likely involve ongoing management of those who do return and potential policy adjustments as more individuals seek repatriation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did two women and four children linked to ISIS return to Victoria in September 2025?
Two Australian women and their four children arrived in Victoria in September 2025 after leaving a Syrian camp. They are considered Australian citizens.
Q: What is the Australian government's official stance on helping ISIS-linked citizens return?
The Prime Minister has stated the government will not help or facilitate the return of these citizens. Any return is expected to be arranged by the individuals themselves.
Q: How many Australians linked to ISIS are still overseas?
It is estimated that around 60 Australian men, women, and children are still overseas, many in Syrian displacement camps.
Q: Are the returning women accused of terrorism offenses?
It is not clear if the women who returned have committed any terrorism-related offenses. Their status as citizens remains despite their choice to go to ISIS territories.
Q: What makes the situation with the children different?
The children are Australian citizens by birth. Their situation is seen as different from the adults as they may have had no choice in their upbringing in ISIS areas.