Live: Minister says constitution limits ability to block return of IS-linked doctor

Australia faces constitutional hurdles in preventing the return of an Australian doctor with alleged links to the Islamic State, Environment Minister Murray Watt stated Wednesday. Tareq Kamleh, who reportedly joined the Islamic State group, is among 13 Australian men imprisoned in Iraq.

Watt explained that while the government has clearly stated it will not offer assistance to citizens who have joined foreign terrorist organizations, constitutional limitations exist regarding preventing their return to Australia. "We've made clear for some time now that we won't be providing any assistance as a government to anyone whose made the absolutely awful decision to join a foreign terrorist organisation," Watt told Channel Nine.

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We've made clear for some time now that we won't be providing any assistance as a government to anyone whose made the absolutely awful decision to join a foreign terrorist organisation.

When asked if Kamleh would be allowed to return, Watt responded, "That remains to be seen," reiterating that no government assistance would be provided, similar to previous cases. The situation has drawn criticism from the opposition, with Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Ted O'Brien questioning the government's proactive measures to ensure public safety.

Meanwhile, Watt also addressed other political matters, including potential discussions about a tax on gas exports and reforms to gambling regulation ahead of the Labor national conference. He highlighted the government's existing actions on gambling advertising but acknowledged that further proposals might emerge at the conference.

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That remains to be seen.