George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

The advice of the government to Australians who are intending to travel to Syria to participate in the Syrian civil conflict is not to do so, not only because they put themselves at risk but, if it is their intention to participate in that conflict, either by engaging in it personally or aiding or assisting those who are engaged in it, they are committing a crime against Australian law, and if they do they will not expect to escape prosecution. In fact, the arrests this morning demonstrate the resolve of the police and national security agencies that these individuals will be identified and prosecuted. As AFP Deputy Commissioner Burn said today, it does not matter who you are or what you believe in, if you choose to illegally participate in a foreign conflict then you are not only breaking the law; you are placing yourself in immense danger.