Australia’s state leaders have adopted varied tones over the possible return of group of 34 women and children linked to ISIS, with some outlining practical preparations and others urging caution as the federal government maintains it will not actively assist their repatriation.
New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns confirmed that about one-third of the cohort could resettle in his state if Syrian authorities permit their departure. He said state agencies had been coordinating with the Commonwealth since 2025 to prepare for the possibility of their arrival.
“Most Australians would recognise that they didn’t make this decision to put themselves in harm’s way. A four year old or a three year old hasn’t made a decision to sign up with Islamic State, and if they were to return to New South Wales, then I think we need to be transparent,” Minns told reporters on Feb. 23.
Of the 34 individuals, 11 are women and 23 are children. The group remains in the Al-Roj refugee camp in Syria and is seeking permission to return to Australia.
Minns said the state government would ensure their safety and schooling.
“And we would make sure that they were within an organisation or a group or an education or a school that had Australian values,” he said.
The premier also raised concerns about the long-term impact on the children if they were left without support.
“I worry about where these children will be in the years ahead, and I worry about what the consequences of doing nothing for them if they did return to Australia would be,” he added.
