NSW Braces for Possible Return of Islamic State-Linked Women and Children

State Government Prepares for Contingency Planning

New South Wales (NSW) officials are preparing plans for the potential return and resettlement of Australian women and children linked to the Islamic State (IS) from Syrian camps, as discussions with the federal government have been underway for months. The move comes amid media reports that up to one-third of a group of **34 Australians — 11 women and 23 children — currently in the Al-Roj refugee camp in northeastern Syria could come back to Australia and settle in NSW should they be allowed to leave by Syrian authorities.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said his government has been coordinating with Commonwealth agencies since late 2025 to consider “what happens if, or when, they return to NSW.” He stressed that state authorities are planning for a strong law-enforcement response and support systems for children in particular, even as political controversy swirls around the prospective repatriation.

Background: Australians Stranded in Syrian Camps

The group in question consists of Australian citizens and permanent residents living in the Roj camp, a facility in Kurdish-held territory that has housed thousands of foreign nationals and their families since the defeat of the so-called Islamic State “caliphate.” The women and children were turned back to the camp after attempting to leave for Australia last week, blocked by Syrian government authorities handling movement through neighbouring Damascus.

These women and their children are often referred to in media as “ISIS brides”, a term tied to their associations with deceased or detained IS fighters during the militant group’s rise and fall. Australian governments have repatriated some such families in the past — most recently in 2019 and 2022 — but Moscow’s policies have generally resisted further large-scale returns due to security concerns.

Law Enforcement and Security Preparedness

Premier Minns was explicit in distancing his government from support for adults who travelled to Syria to join or support extremist groups, saying he had “no sympathy for adults who left Australia to fight in the Middle East.” Nonetheless, he emphasised concern for the children, whom he termed “innocent Australians” who did not choose their situation. He noted that any returnees who resettle in NSW would be subject to existing terrorism and national security laws.

Under Australian law, travel overseas to join a terrorist organisation remains illegal and carries severe penalties, and returning individuals could face prosecution or other measures if evidence of involvement is found. Security agencies would play a central role in risk assessments and community safety arrangements.

Federal Debate and Political Divide

The possibility of returns has intensified political debate at the federal level in Canberra. The Coalition opposition has proposed new legislation that would criminalise assisting Australians linked to terrorism in their efforts to return home without ministerial approval, arguing such steps are necessary to protect national security. Critics argue such laws could be constitutionally problematic and even discourage humanitarian advocacy.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government has repeatedly stressed it will not facilitate repatriation, and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has denied reports of orchestrating an official repatriation plan, even while acknowledging Australia cannot prevent citizens from attempting to return independently. The federal government’s position reflects a balancing act between legal obligations to citizens and public safety concerns.

Humanitarian Concerns and Children’s Welfare

Humanitarian organisations and the United Nations have expressed concern about the long-term wellbeing of women and children stranded in Syrian camps such as Roj, characterising conditions there as dangerous and deteriorating. Rights groups argue that repatriating children to Australia could help protect them from radicalisation and poor conditions, while still allowing security screening and reintegration support.

Premier Minns echoed these concerns, noting that NSW would provide schooling and community support for children who return, and ensuring they are integrated safely into Australian society. He stated his focus is on education and welfare for children, even as adults face legal consequences for any extremist involvement.

Community and Policy Implications for NSW

NSW authorities are preparing multi-agency plans that involve law enforcement, child protection services, healthcare and education departments, reflecting the complexity of reintegrating returnees — especially minors who have spent formative years in conflict-zone environments. The planning includes risk assessments, ongoing monitoring and support structures to ensure public safety and community confidence.

The issue also touches on broader counter-terrorism operations in NSW, such as Operation Shelter, which has focused on protecting communities from terror-related threats and social tensions since 2023. While not directly linked to these returnees, such frameworks underscore the priority authorities place on intelligence, policing and community reassurance.

Outlook: Politics, Justice and Human Rights

As diplomatic, legal and political discussions continue across federal and state levels, Australia faces a complex challenge: reconciling its obligations to citizens with legitimate concerns about past extremist involvement and future security risks. At the same time, international norms and human rights advocates emphasise the need for structured, lawful reintegration processes, especially for children who did not choose their circumstances.

For NSW, the preparations reflect a cautious but pragmatic approach to what could become a significant public policy and security event. Whether these returnees ultimately reach Australian shores — and how they are received and managed — remains closely watched by policymakers, community leaders and national security experts alike.