Anthony Roberts
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism
The Minns Labor Government has been left exposed after the Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism admitted under questioning that she does not know where ISIS brides returning to New South Wales will be residing.
During Supplementary Budget Estimates today, the Minister confirmed she had “no idea” which police districts would be affected by the repatriation of five adult female ISIS members and seven children to NSW.
Despite holding the Counter-terrorism portfolio, the Minister conceded she is not a decision-maker in the process and is merely being briefed, while responsibility rests elsewhere within government and with bureaucrats.
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Anthony Roberts, said the admission that the Minister is not in control of processes is deeply concerning.
“Community safety must always come first, particularly when dealing with individuals returning from conflict zones with links to ISIS,” Mr Roberts said.
“It beggars belief that the Police Minister does not know where these individuals will be settled, or which communities will be directly impacted.”
“The people of New South Wales deserve transparency and confidence that appropriate security and counter-terrorism measures are in place. Instead, we have a Minister who admits she is not across critical operational details.”
Mr Roberts said the Government must clarify who is making these decisions and what safeguards are being implemented to protect local communities.
“On an issue as serious as ISIS repatriation, being ‘briefed’ is not enough.”
“The Police Minister should be leading from the front, not sitting on the sidelines.”