Documents uncovered through Senate Questions on Notice indicate the involvement of the Minister for Home Affairs in the repatriation of the ISIS brides cohort, contradicting previous statements by the Albanese Government.
In particular, notes of a 13 June 2025 meeting between the Minister for Home Affairs, the Department of Home Affairs and the Save The Children organisation state that the Minister “gave a commitment to find a way” to bring more of the ISIS Brides cohort to Australia. In this meeting, the Minister asked for the staff member of the Department to leave following the Secretary’s departure to “enable a frank discussion to take place” regarding repatriation.
A letter from 15 August 2025 states that the US Government would provide assistance to this cohort on the condition that the Australian Government provide passports.
Shadow Minister for Home Affairs Jonno Duniam says that the Minister must urgently explain these notes and exactly what he discussed with Save The Children about the repatriation of the cohort.
“We have continually heard from the Albanese Government that they have not been involved in the repatriation of the ISIS brides cohort. These documents indicate the exact opposite.”
“Australians deserve an urgent explanation from the Minister for Home Affairs over his role in the repatriation of the ISIS brides, including precisely what was discussed in his meeting with Save The Children.”
“The Government has repeatedly stated that they are ‘not providing assistance to this cohort’. However, these documents, which include the Departmental Secretary noting that Minister Burke will “find a way” to get them to Australia, speak to very direct government involvement.”
“Tony Burke must now front up, and urgently explain his and the Albanese government’s exact role in the repatriation.”
Senator Michaelia Cash, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, called on the Foreign Minister to explain her full knowledge of the return of the ISIS brides.
“The Albanese Government appears to have moved heaven and earth to bring the ISIS brides back to Australia, whilst claiming to have not offered any assistance at all. Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong must explain their knowledge in the return of the ISIS brides, which they have so far refused to do.” Senator Cash said.