Concerns are mounting within the NSW Opposition regarding the return of ISIS brides and their children to New South Wales. Questions have been raised about where these individuals will be residing and which police districts will be affected.
During recent Supplementary Budget Estimates, the Police and Counter-terrorism Minister reportedly admitted she had “no idea” about where returning individuals would be settled and which communities would be impacted. She also confirmed that she is being briefed rather than making operational decisions herself.
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Anthony Roberts, said the admission is “deeply concerning.” He emphasized:
“Community safety must always come first, particularly when dealing with individuals returning from conflict zones with links to ISIS.”
“It beggars belief that the Police Minister does not know where these individuals will be settled, or which communities will be directly impacted.”
“The people of New South Wales deserve transparency and confidence that appropriate security and counter-terrorism measures are in place. Instead, we have a Minister who admits she is not across critical operational details.”
“On an issue as serious as ISIS repatriation, being ‘briefed’ is not enough. The Police Minister should be leading from the front, not sitting on the sidelines.”
Mr Roberts has called on the Government to clarify who is making these decisions and what safeguards are in place to protect local communities.
