Australian IS brides turned back after leaving Syrian camp; Government should consider changes to tobacco excise, experts say
Nationals senator Matt Canavan has criticized the government’s handling of the return of Australian ISIS brides and their children from Syria, calling it “inconsistent” and “deceptive”.
The government maintained that it would not offer any assistance in repatriating the 34 brides and their children, even though they were Australian citizens, but that they would be allowed to return if they returned to Australia.
Canavan did not support their return in any way.
He told Sky this morning: “If the government is believed and what they say is true, that they have nothing to do with the so-called ISIS brides, then absolutely these people should not be allowed back into our country, at least in part because they are involved with a shockingly terrible terrorist organisation, and we should not just open the door and let them come back, with no knowledge of who they are and what activities they are involved in.”
“The government has been a bit more involved than it seems,” Canavan said, possibly referring to revelations last year that Home Secretary Tony Burke held meetings with advocates lobbying Save the Children to repatriate brides.
“And I think it’s time for Labor to come clean to the Australian people about exactly what they’re getting into here.”
