Labor Dismisses Coalition Plan to Criminalise Help Given to ISIS ‘Brides’ and Children

Ted O’Brien says third parties should not facilitate returns of ISIS-linked Australians.

Australian families affiliated with ISIS walk beside a van with their belongings for departure at the Roj camp in al Malikiyah, Syria, on Feb. 15, 2026. Amjad Kurdo/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

The Australian federal opposition is arguing for the criminalisation of any assistance given to residents linked to assisting the ISIS “brides” and children in trying to return to Australia.

The debate over their fate has continued for weeks as the 34 women and children attempted to leave the Al Roj camp on Feb. 16 to reach Damascus so they could fly to Australia.