Story perspectives

Burke Slams Opposition on Women and Children’s Passport Rights

2/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke criticized the opposition's stance on passport rights for women and children in a Syrian detention camp.
On February 22, 2026, 34 Australian women and children related to Islamic State fighters were repatriated from al-Roj camp in Syria.
Burke said that any passport applications would follow standard procedures unless advised otherwise by intelligence agencies.
He expressed concern over the opposition's handling of national security matters.

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Story summary

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke criticized the opposition's stance on passport rights for women and children in a Syrian detention camp.
On February 22, 2026, 34 Australian women and children related to Islamic State fighters were repatriated from al-Roj camp in Syria.
Burke said that any passport applications would follow standard procedures unless advised otherwise by intelligence agencies.
He expressed concern over the opposition's handling of national security matters.