Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Senator, I refer to Senator Cash's previous question and reports about the proposed return from Syria to Australia of individuals who made the decision to leave Australia and join the ISIS death cult. It was reported that senior federal government officials are assisting the operation quietly in the background and intend to work with families of those in the camps and not-for-profit organisations to issue travel documents and obtain approvals from Kurdish led authorities in neighbouring countries. I also note, in the same article as you refer to, home affairs minister Tony Burke is quoted as saying, 'The government is not providing assistance to this cohort.' Can the government guarantee that no taxpayer dollars are being spent assisting former ISIS supporters or associates to return to Australia?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

With respect to Senator Scarr, that is actually the same question the leader asked me, and I can only refer you to that answer. Those reports are not correct and the government is not providing assistance and is not repatriating this cohort.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Scarr, first supplementary.

Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Perhaps I could be more particular. The report refers to federal government officials assisting the operation quietly in the background and intending to work with families of those in the camps and not-for-profit organisations to issue travel documents. Is any such assistance being provided? Or has any such assistance been provided since the last cohort came and were repatriated in October 2022?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

For the first set of answers, I refer you to my answer to Senator Cash and my answer to the primary question. Your second question is, What has happened since 2022? If I can provide any further assistance on that I will. I don't believe there's been activity, but if I'm wrong I will come back to you.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Scarr, second supplementary.

Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My second supplementary, then, is in terms of your taking on notice whether you can advise whether any taxpayer funds have been spent since October 2022, when that last cohort of women and children were repatriated to Australia and whether any assistance has been given since that date.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Well, my answer is the same as my answer to Senator Cash.