Hon Clare O’neil Mp
Minister For Home Affairs
Minister For Cyber Security
Member For Hotham

MEDIA RELEASE
SATURDAY 29 OCTOBER 2022

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN AND CHILDREN REPATRIATED FROM SYRIAN CAMPS

The Australian Government has repatriated four Australian women and their 13
Australian children to New South Wales from an Internally Displaced Persons Camp in
Syria.

At all times the focus has been the safety and security of all Australians as well as the
safety of those involved in the operation. Informed by national security advice, the
Government has carefully considered the range of security, community and welfare
factors in making the decision to repatriate.

The decision to repatriate these women and their children was informed by individual
assessments following detailed work by national security agencies.

The Government’s decision follows similar repatriations carried out by the previous
Morrison Government in 2019, as well as the United States, Italy, Germany, France, the
Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom and, most recently, Canada.

Allegations of unlawful activity will continue to be investigated by the NSW Joint Counter
Terrorism Team, comprised of the Australian Federal Police, Australian Security
Intelligence Organisation, NSW Police and the NSW Crime Commission. Any identified
offences may lead to law enforcement action being taken.

The New South Wales Government is providing extensive support services to assist
these women and their children with reintegration alongside law enforcement
engagement with these families.

Media contact: Jason Koutsoukis 0403 210 87

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