Concerns raised
'We continue to liaise with the government and other relevant authorities about the measures being taken for our people and institutions to remain properly protected'
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) is maintaining a dialogue with the government and relevant agencies over the return of 16 “ISIS brides” and their children to Australia.
Media reported earlier this month that the federal government is finalising a controversial plan to bring back the Australian citizens, who are currently being held in a detention camp in north-eastern Syria.
The Australian reported on October 2 that ASIO had carried out a secret mission to conduct risk assessments on the prisoners and their extended families back home.
Declining to comment further due to the “sensitive nature of the matters involved”, a spokesperson for Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said, “The Australian government’s overriding priority is the protection of Australians and Australia’s national interest, informed by national security advice.”
ECAJ co-CEO Peter Wertheim said, “We have been in contact with the Prime Minister’s office to express our concerns relating to the repatriation of Islamic State families to Australia.
“We continue to liaise with the government and other relevant authorities about the measures being taken for our people and institutions to remain properly protected.”
The plan to bring the women and their children home has received criticism from some commentators who say the women should live with their choice to travel to Syria and marry jihadis and would be a security risk if returned to Australia.
Liberal frontbencher Karen Andrews, who served as Home Affairs minister in the Morrison Liberal government, called the plan “very concerning” and said it was rejected under her watch.
NSW Veterans Minister David Elliott said it was “utter madness” and urged the Albanese government to reverse its decision.
Sky News reported on October 5 that the women will be detained immediately upon their arrival in Australia pending court appearances for a terrorism control order.
The repatriation is set to cost millions of dollars.
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