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

Thank you, Senator Bushby. As I said in answer to the principal question, primarily because Mosul is one of the headquarters of ISIL from which many of these barbaric acts are based. Today's listing sends a strong message that the government is determined to stop Australians from travelling to that centre of terrorist activity. It will assist our law enforcement agencies bring to justice those who have committed serious offences, including associating with and fighting for terrorist organisations overseas, putting at risk not only their own lives but the lives of Syrians and Iraqis and potentially risking the lives of Australians as well.

It is important to note that the listing does not prevent people travelling to the area for legitimate purposes such as providing humanitarian aid, or bona fide visits to family members, but we are determined to use this, as all the weapons in the legal armoury, to prevent assistance to foreign fighters. (Time expired)