In a recent update, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has made it clear that Australians in Syria who are connected to ISIS militants possess valid passports. This confirmation comes at a critical time as there are increasing concerns and discussions around the fate of these individuals, many of whom have family ties back in Australia. Recent events have seen a group of 11 Australian families attempt to return home from Syria, however, they were turned back, raising questions about the government's policy on repatriation.

The Australian Greens party has voiced strong opposition to the government's stance, with Senator Mehreen Faruqi stating that it is "pretty disgraceful" that these Australians are not being repatriated. The senator emphasizes that the rights of women and children should be ensured, advocating for their cases to be addressed by the Australian legal system upon their return. This highlights a significant divide in political perspectives regarding national security, humanitarian obligations, and legal responsibilities towards individuals who have traveled to conflict zones.

As tensions regarding this issue escalate, the government has begun employing measures such as Temporary Exclusion Orders (TEOs) on individuals in Syria based on security agency advice. This approach indicates a balancing act between national security concerns and the implications of repatriating citizens potentially involved with terrorist organizations. The ongoing debate and ramifications of this situation will likely remain a contentious topic in Australian federal politics as the government navigates these complex issues.