Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has asked the first question of his tenure as Liberal leader, questioning Anthony Albanese on whether any government minister or staff have supported the issuing of Australian passports to IS “sympathisers”.
Taylor asked: “Prime minister, there are reports that at least 34 passports have recently been issued under this government to facilitate the return of individuals who left Australia to join ISIS. Can the PM confirm none of his ministers, nor any member of staff made representations to any relevant departments or agencies to support or expedite the issuing of Australian passports to sympathisers in Syria?”
Albanese took the chance to quote comments from former Liberal leader Peter Dutton that argued Australian citizens have “an entitlement and a right to come back to our country”. Albanese said the words were not his own, but from “that soft person” who led the opposition to last year’s election.
“We are not repatriating these people. We have made it clear,” Albanese said.
“The hypocrisy on this is extraordinary, given that 40 people came home on their watch, including not partners or relatives, including ISIS fighters.”
