Tony Burke in the news as Australia weighs repatriation and security amid ISIS-linked returnees; Labor veteran and former Home Affairs minister.
On February 16-17, 2026, 34 Australians, including women and children linked to Islamic State, attempted to return from Syria's Al Roj camp to Australia but were turned back by Syrian authorities due to procedural issues. Australian PM Albanese reaffirmed the government's refusal to assist or repatriate them, emphasizing legal consequences for any who return having committed crimes.
As of March 14, 2026, five members of Iran’s women’s soccer team have sought asylum in Australia amid fears for their safety if returned home. The team, competing in the Asian Cup in Australia, faced backlash after refusing to sing Iran’s national anthem in their opening match. Australian authorities have offered humanitarian visas, while US President Trump urged Australia to grant asylum. One player later reversed her decision to stay.
As of March 18, 2026, seven Iranian women football players sought asylum in Australia following their silent protest during the Women's Asian Cup anthem amid US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Five players were granted humanitarian visas, two remain in Australia training with Brisbane Roar, while five others returned to Iran amid family safety concerns. The situation highlights fears of persecution and political tensions.
The Iranian women's football team in Australia for the Asian Cup faced a crisis when some players sought asylum amid fears of retaliation upon returning to Iran. After last-minute decisions, only one player changed her mind and returned to Iran, while others were granted humanitarian visas. The situation drew international attention and political debate.
Five members of Iran's women's football team, who sought asylum in Australia after refusing to sing their national anthem, have returned to Iran. One player changed her mind, revealing their location, prompting their relocation. Concerns about their safety and monitoring persist, despite Australian visas.
Several Iranian women football players have left Australia for Iran amid ongoing regional tensions. Initially, six players and a support staff member stayed in Australia on humanitarian visas, but now only two players remain in the country. The rest have decided to return to Iran, citing personal and political reasons.
Seven Iranian women football players sought asylum in Australia after refusing to sing Iran’s national anthem during the Asian Cup amid regional tensions. Five later decided to return to Iran, citing threats and pressure from authorities, while two remain in Australia. The story highlights athlete activism and political repression.
The Iranian women's football team left Australia for Kuala Lumpur after arriving for the Asian Cup. Some players accepted asylum visas, while others returned to Iran amid concerns over their safety and political pressure. The team is now waiting in Malaysia to fly home or seek asylum, amid diplomatic tensions.
Seven Iranian women footballers sought asylum in Australia during the Asian Cup, amid political protests and pressure from Iran. Five returned home after changing their minds, while two joined Brisbane Roar, sparking diplomatic tensions between Iran and Australia.
Seven Iranian women football players sought asylum in Australia after refusing to sing their national anthem at the Asian Cup, citing political repression. Five later changed their minds and returned to Iran, crossing into the country on a bus. Two players remain in Australia, training with Brisbane Roar.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke faced heckling during Eid prayers at Lakemba Mosque, amid tensions over Australia's stance on Israel-Gaza conflict. Protesters called them 'genocide supporters' over Gaza war, with some security intervention. Albanese described the event as 'positive' despite disruptions.
Iran’s women’s football team was welcomed back after some members sought asylum in Australia following criticism for not singing the national anthem. Five players withdrew their asylum claims under pressure from authorities, while others remain in Australia. The event highlights tensions over athlete protests and political pressure in Iran.
Two Iranian female footballers have publicly expressed gratitude after Australia has granted them humanitarian visas following their asylum request during the Women's Asian Cup. They have begun training with Brisbane Roar and focus on safety and rebuilding their lives. Five other players initially granted visas have returned to Iran amid safety concerns and political pressure.
The U.S. government has launched a crackdown on online scam centers across Southeast Asia, sanctioning a Cambodian senator and 28 others for operating fraud networks that target Americans. The operation includes seizing assets, shutting down online channels, and seeking extraditions of Chinese nationals involved in cryptocurrency scams. The effort aims to dismantle illicit operations linked to human trafficking and cybercrime.
Thirteen Australian women and children linked to ISIS are returning from al-Roj camp in Syria. Authorities say some will be arrested on arrival; others are under ongoing investigation. The group’s return prompts questions over legal action, security, and welfare for children.
A group of four women and nine children detained in Syria’s al-Roj camp is returning to Australia. Some will be arrested on arrival and others will undergo investigations; children will enter community reintegration and support programs as Canberra absolves no government assistance. The group’s arrival follows years of detentions and Syria’s collapse of IS’s territorial control.