How Australian Passports for ISIS Members Affect National Security

At least one Australian ISIS member has been issued a temporary exclusion order, a measure used to block those deemed a security risk.
By Newsroom | Politics, National Security |

Australia is grappling with complex questions regarding the return of citizens with alleged ties to the Islamic State (ISIS). Recent events have brought to light that individuals, referred to as "ISIS brides," and their children, who were in former ISIS territories, are in the process of returning to Australia. This situation has generated significant debate, particularly concerning the issuance of Australian passports and the government's role in facilitating these returns.

‘That was a long way to say yes’: Tony Burke admits ISIS brides have Australian passports - 1

The core of the issue revolves around the fact that several individuals, described as "ISIS brides," along with children, are either en route to or have recently returned to Australia. This development follows the Syrian authorities' confirmation of receiving "valid documents and passports" for these individuals. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that the government has offered no support for these returns, while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has confirmed that at least one individual has been issued a "temporary exclusion order" to prevent their return.

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‘That was a long way to say yes’: Tony Burke admits ISIS brides have Australian passports - 2

  • Timeline: Recent events indicate a convoy of ISIS brides and children is expected to return to Australia within days.

  • Key Actors: Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Opposition figures are central to the public discussion.

  • Central Event: The issuance and use of Australian passports by individuals associated with ISIS, and the government's response, are the primary focus.

Government Confirms Passport Issuance Amidst Controversy

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has confirmed that individuals associated with ISIS have been issued Australian passports. This statement came after reports indicated a convoy of "ISIS brides" and children were preparing to return to Australia using such documents. The confirmation has amplified concerns about national security and the government's handling of the situation.

‘That was a long way to say yes’: Tony Burke admits ISIS brides have Australian passports - 3

  • Tony Burke's statement: The Minister confirmed a "temporary exclusion order" was issued for one individual based on security advice. He stated, "I can confirm that one individual in this cohort has been issued a temporary exclusion order, which was made on advice from security agencies."

  • Passport Details: Reports suggest that all 11 families, comprising women and children, have been issued Australian passports. The director of the detention camp confirmed that the families' passports were photographed and copies made.

  • Government Stance: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has maintained that the government is not actively assisting in the return of these individuals, despite the confirmation of Australian passports being used.

Allegations of Secret Government Discussions

Leaked documents suggest that Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke may have been involved in discussions regarding the repatriation of Australian women and children from former ISIS territories. These documents, reportedly from a meeting with the charity Save the Children, have led to calls for greater transparency from the government.

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‘That was a long way to say yes’: Tony Burke admits ISIS brides have Australian passports - 4

  • Meeting Minutes: Notes from a June 13, 2025, meeting indicate a commitment from the Minister to "find a way" to bring more of the ISIS cohort to Australia. The notes suggest the Minister asked a senior bureaucrat to leave the meeting to allow for a "frank discussion."

  • Opposition's Position: Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonno Duniam has called on Minister Burke to explain his role and the government's involvement in these discussions and potential repatriations. He stated, "Minister Burke must urgently explain these notes and exactly what he discussed with Save the Children about the repatriation of the cohort."

  • Minister's Denial: Tony Burke has reportedly stated that he has not discussed any plans with an individual involved, nor would he have any reason to.

Temporary Exclusion Orders and Security Concerns

In response to the unfolding situation, the Australian government has implemented temporary exclusion orders for some individuals. This measure aims to address immediate security concerns while the broader policy and implications of these returns are debated.

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  • Purpose of Orders: Temporary exclusion orders are a tool used to prevent individuals deemed a security risk from returning to Australia. These are made on the advice of security agencies.

  • Target Individuals: The exclusion order has been applied to an adult woman, not one of the children within the group. These orders can apply to citizens aged 14 and above.

  • Public Reaction: The potential return of individuals with ISIS ties has drawn considerable public concern, with many questioning the national security implications and condemning their return.

Conflicting Narratives on Government Support

There appears to be a divergence in the narratives presented regarding the extent of Australian government support for the return of individuals from former ISIS territories. While the Prime Minister insists on a lack of government assistance, certain actions and leaked documents suggest a more involved process.

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  • Prime Minister's Assurance: Prime Minister Albanese has repeatedly stated that the government has provided no support and that individuals returning to Australia could face the "full force" of the law.

  • Reports of Facilitation: Conversely, reports indicate that Australian passports were issued, and leaked documents point to discussions about finding ways to facilitate returns. One article notes that a close associate of Minister Tony Burke is reportedly helping individuals leave Syria.

  • Broader Context: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has stated it cannot comment on individual cases, adding to the opaqueness surrounding specific instances.

Expert Analysis and Public Scrutiny

The situation has placed Minister Tony Burke under significant scrutiny, with opposition figures demanding clear answers about his department's involvement. The use of temporary exclusion orders alongside the confirmation of passport issuances presents a complex policy challenge.

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  • Calls for Accountability: Opposition leaders are pressing for Minister Burke to publicly address the leaked documents and clarify the government's exact role in the repatriation process.

  • Security Agency Advice: The confirmation that temporary exclusion orders are based on advice from security agencies highlights the ongoing assessment of individuals' security risk.

  • National Security Debate: The events have reignited the national debate on how to manage the complex issue of returning citizens with alleged extremist affiliations and the associated security risks.

Conclusion and Future Considerations

The Australian government is currently navigating a sensitive and challenging situation concerning the return of individuals linked to ISIS. The issuance of Australian passports to these individuals, coupled with allegations of secret government discussions, has prompted calls for transparency and accountability.

  • Key Findings:

  • Australian passports have been issued to individuals, including "ISIS brides" and children, who are in the process of returning to Australia.

  • Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has confirmed the use of a temporary exclusion order for at least one individual based on security advice.

  • Leaked documents suggest that Minister Burke may have been involved in discussions regarding repatriation efforts with organizations like Save the Children.

  • Implications: The situation raises significant national security questions and highlights the complexities of managing the return of citizens from conflict zones. The government's messaging, emphasizing no support while actions suggest otherwise, has drawn criticism.

  • Next Steps: Public and political pressure is likely to continue, demanding clearer explanations from the government regarding its precise role in the repatriation of these individuals and the measures being taken to ensure national security.

Sources Used:

Read More: How the Australian government manages the return of citizens from Syrian camps

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are people talking about Australian passports and ISIS members?
Some people linked to ISIS, including women and children, are expected to return to Australia. Reports say they have Australian passports, which has caused worry about safety.
Q: What has the Australian government said about these returns?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government is not helping these people return. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that one adult woman has been given a temporary order to stop her from coming back, based on advice from security groups.
Q: Were Australian passports really given to ISIS members?
Yes, the Home Affairs Minister confirmed this. Reports also say that all 11 families, including women and children, were given Australian passports. The boss of the camp where they were held said they showed valid papers and passports.
Q: Are there secret talks about bringing ISIS members back to Australia?
Leaked notes from a meeting suggest that Minister Tony Burke might have talked about ways to bring more people from ISIS areas back to Australia. Opposition politicians are asking the Minister to explain these notes.
Q: What is a temporary exclusion order and who gets one?
A temporary exclusion order is a way to stop people who are thought to be a danger to national security from coming back to Australia. This order has been given to an adult woman, not a child, based on advice from security agencies.