Taylor avoids backing ASIO amid questions on ISIS-linked families

Australia's Opposition Leader, Angus Taylor, has taken a firm stance against the potential return of Australian citizens with links to ISIS, urging the government to exhaust all possible measures to prevent their re-entry. Taylor's comments, made during an appearance on the ABC's Insiders program, highlight a significant national security concern that resonates deeply within Australia, given the country's experience with foreign fighters and terrorism.

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I'm saying the government should be making every possible effort to not accept these people back into the country.

Taylor specifically questioned the government's commitment to national security, emphasizing that Australian interests and safety must be prioritized over individuals who have actively supported a designated terrorist organization. He pointed to the recent movement of four women and their nine children and grandchildren from a Syrian refugee camp towards Damascus as a critical juncture requiring decisive government action. The opposition leader's call for the government to "do everything it could to stop the families" reflects a prevailing sentiment in Australia that prioritizes security above all else in such complex cases.

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It's clear that they have been providing assistance, whether it's through issuing and distributing passports, whether it's doing DNA tests, whether indeed it is supporting third parties to do the repatriation.

Adding to the debate, Taylor criticized the government's approach, noting that only one temporary exclusion order has been issued and questioning the recency of security assessments. He advocated for stronger measures, including the broader application of exclusion orders, to prevent individuals deemed a security risk from returning. This stance underscores a political divide on how best to manage the complex issue of returning foreign fighters and their families, with the opposition pushing for a more restrictive policy.

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Only one temporary exclusion order has been issued. We don't know how recently security assessments have been done on these people.

In response, a government spokesperson reiterated that Australia "is not and will not repatriate people from Syria." However, they also issued a stern warning, stating that any individuals who return and have committed crimes will face the full extent of Australian law. This dual approach—denying repatriation while threatening legal consequences—reflects the government's attempt to balance security concerns with international legal obligations and public sentiment, a delicate act that continues to be a focal point of national discussion.

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In the end it's the government that makes these decisions and they are making decisions. They had a decision in front of them in front of the parliament where they rejected the legislation.