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

It is necessary in order to keep Australians safe. I cannot stress enough that this problem is not a problem that exists only on the other side of the world; it has its origins in our own suburbs. The escalating terrorist situation in Iraq and Syria poses an increasing threat, unlike any other that this country has experienced, to the security of Australians both at home and overseas.

The number of Australians involved in the Syria and Iraq conflicts is significantly higher than in previous foreign conflicts. We know, for instance, that of the 30 Australians who fought and trained with extremist groups in the conflict zones between 1990 and 2010 in Pakistan and Afghanistan, 25 returned and eight were convicted of terrorism related offences. By comparison, ASIO advises us that today there are some 60 Australians involved in foreign fighting. (Time expired)