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Australia Defends Two-Year Ban on Ex-IS Fighter's Return

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke defended a temporary exclusion order against a woman who became a citizen under the Howard government and later traveled to Syria.
Burke stated the order was necessary due to reports of a group preparing to return to Australia.
He criticized the Coalition's claims regarding the return of 34 Australian wives and children of IS fighters as "silly hypocrisy."
Burke noted that repatriations occurred under the Morrison government, including self-managed returns of individuals involved in fighting.
The government recently announced a two-year ban for one woman from entering Australia.

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Story summary

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke defended a temporary exclusion order against a woman who became a citizen under the Howard government and later traveled to Syria.
Burke stated the order was necessary due to reports of a group preparing to return to Australia.
He criticized the Coalition's claims regarding the return of 34 Australian wives and children of IS fighters as "silly hypocrisy."
Burke noted that repatriations occurred under the Morrison government, including self-managed returns of individuals involved in fighting.
The government recently announced a two-year ban for one woman from entering Australia.