What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This Coalition bill would make it a crime, with up to 10 years in jail, to help someone with terrorism links enter Australia unless both the Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs ministers give written approval. It would also extend the 'declared areas' offence to 2030. The debate centred on the possible return from Syria of a group of Australian women and children linked to Islamic State.
Arguments made in support
The Coalition said the Government was leaving these returns to charities and private individuals, and that ministers should approve and take responsibility for them.
Coalition senators said the people involved chose to travel to a terrorist area and could pose a security risk, adding to pressure on ASIO.
Supporters said the bill would not stop citizens coming home or apply to past returns, and ministers could still approve humanitarian cases.
Coalition senators raised questions about how passports were issued and carried to the camps, and spoke of Yazidi and Assyrian communities' fears.
One Nation supported the bill, saying it would force any returns into the open and raised concerns about cost and safety.
Arguments made against, or for changes
The Government said the bill was badly drafted, did not cover the group it claimed to target, and could make pilots, baggage handlers, aid workers and allies criminals.
The Government said it was not helping anyone return and that security agencies were ready to act if people came back on their own.
Government members said fighters had returned under the former Coalition government without complaint from the Coalition.
The Greens opposed the bill, saying it would punish children stuck in camps and the charities trying to help them, and that it was unconstitutional.
Greens senators said some women were trafficked or forced to go as young girls, and that Australia should bring its citizens home.
40 speeches by 19 members in the House and Senate over 4 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 3 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 3 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 11 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 1 Apr 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.