Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has publicly confirmed that 34 ISIS brides and children detained in a Syrian camp hold Australian passports, sparking intense speculation that some could return to Australia within days. This revelation came during a tense exchange on ABC's 7.30 program, where host Sarah Ferguson pressed Burke on the matter.
Minister's Admission Under Scrutiny
During the Wednesday night broadcast, Ferguson directly questioned Burke about reports that the ISIS-linked individuals were carrying Australian travel documents. "It's reported they were carrying Australian travel documents or passports. Is that correct?" she asked. Burke initially responded cautiously, stating, "I have seen those reports," before adding, "The reality is anyone who is a citizen is able to apply for a passport and receive a passport."
When Ferguson pressed further, demanding to know if he had specific information, Burke admitted, "Yeah, I do." He then elaborated with a practical explanation: "I'm giving the very practical answer that if anyone applies for a passport, as a citizen, they are issued with a passport. In the same way that public servants, if someone applies for a Medicare card, they get a Medicare card. These are automatic processes done by public servants."
Camp Preparations and Coordination
Reports indicate that ten ISIS brides are expected to return home soon after being issued Australian passports, with the women and 23 children—all linked to Islamic State members—having received travel documents. The families, currently staying in the Al Roj internment camp in Syria's north-east, were reportedly so confident about leaving this week that some of their tents have already been demolished by camp officials.
After a failed attempt to depart the camp on Monday, Australian men have allegedly joined the Islamic State-linked families to assist in planning their return travel. According to the Daily Telegraph, an Albanese government delegate conducted DNA tests on the women and children and has been tasked with accompanying them from the camp to Australia. Encrypted messages from the women revealed these DNA tests occurred before passport issuance, with one message noting, "We still don't know the reason for the sudden change in position," in reference to their return to the camp.
Dr. Jamal Rifi's Involvement
The group's return is believed to be coordinated by prominent Sydney doctor Dr. Jamal Rifi, a close ally of Burke's who is understood to be on the ground in Syria. Dr. Rifi has known Burke for over 20 years and previously praised him for doing a "great deal" for his electorate of Watson, even spearheading the Friends of Burke campaign at the 2025 election.
"I've known the man (Mr Burke) for 20 years, and the community knew of him for 20 years when he was in government and even when he was in opposition," Dr. Rifi told media in 2024. "He has always worked for the local constituents, and anyone who says otherwise does not know the man. He does not work to divide and conquer, unlike some other people in the politics."
However, when questioned about his relationship with Dr. Rifi on Wednesday, Burke claimed to have "no information" beyond media reports regarding his friend's involvement. "He has not discussed any plans with me, nor would he have any reason to," Burke stated.
Security Measures and Government Stance
Amid these developments, one of the brides has been prevented from returning to Australia after being issued a temporary exclusion order based on advice from security agencies. It remains unclear whether this woman, who has not been identified, has children who might be separated from her due to the order. Burke confirmed that none of the other women or children have met the "required legal thresholds" for such orders.
Temporary exclusion orders can apply to any citizen aged 14 or older considered a security risk "for reasons related to politically motivated violence." Under current regulations, the families are permitted to return to Australia through their own means, with no government repatriation efforts planned.
Prime Minister's Firm Position
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reinforced this stance on Tuesday, ruling out any government assistance for the ISIS brides. "We have a very firm view that we won't be providing assistance or repatriation," he told ABC News Breakfast. "We want to make it clear, as we have to the people involved, if there are any breaches of the law then they will face the full force of the Australian law."
Albanese added a personal note, quoting his mother: "My mother would have said, 'If you make your bed, you lie in it'. These are people who went overseas and went there to provide support for people who basically want a caliphate." This statement underscores the government's hardline approach, balancing citizenship rights with national security concerns as the situation unfolds.
