New South Wales Prepares for Possible Return of Islamic State-Linked Women and Children

New South Wales (NSW) authorities are preparing for the potential return of approximately one-third of a group of 34 Australian women and children linked to Islamic State fighters currently residing in the Al-Roj refugee camp in Syria. Premier Chris Minns confirmed that discussions with federal government agencies regarding their return have been ongoing since late 2025. The group, consisting of 11 women and 23 children, attempted to leave the camp recently but were blocked by Syrian authorities.

Albanese Government accused of cloaking return of 11 ISIS brides and their 23 children in ‘secrecy’Sky News AustraliaThe Guardian

Premier Minns expressed no sympathy for the adults who traveled to join Islamic State but voiced concern for the welfare of the children, stating, “I worry about where these children will be in the years ahead.” He emphasized that if the children return, the NSW government would provide education services and ensure their safety. However, he clarified that taxpayers would not cover the costs of their travel back to Australia.

The federal government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has distanced itself from any repatriation efforts, asserting that it will not assist in the return of the group. Albanese stated, “We are not repatriating people and we are not providing assistance,” while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke acknowledged that there are limited options to block their travel if they manage to leave the camp.

Albanese Government accused of cloaking return of 11 ISIS brides and their 23 children in ‘secrecy’

The opposition, led by Angus Taylor, has criticized the Labor government for its handling of the situation, proposing legislation to criminalize assistance for individuals with terrorist links attempting to re-enter Australia. Taylor stated, “We will take action and refuse to let people come here who abandoned Australia to support Islamic extremist terror overseas.” Critics, including Mat Tinkler from Save the Children, have warned against using tough political rhetoric, advocating for a more principled approach to the situation of the women and children.

The GuardianAlbanese Government accused of cloaking return of 11 ISIS brides and their 23 children in ‘secrecy’Sky News Australia

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on local communities if the group returns. Opposition leader Kellie Sloane highlighted the need for safeguards, stating that the children would require additional support due to potential trauma and lack of exposure to Australian values. She questioned the costs involved and the safety of communities in NSW.

There are conflicting views on the legal frameworks available to prevent the return of the women. Some experts argue that existing laws, such as the Passports Act, could be utilized to deny them entry, while others, including Burke, have denied receiving advice to that effect. The debate continues over the ethical implications of stripping citizenship from individuals linked to terrorism, with some advocating for Temporary Exclusion Orders as a means to manage the situation.

Sky News Australia

As discussions continue, the situation remains fluid, with the group reportedly preparing for another attempt to leave the camp amid increasing violence and instability in the region. The NSW government is poised to respond to the potential arrival of these individuals, balancing community safety with humanitarian concerns for the children involved. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for national security policy and community relations in Australia.

The Guardian