Terror suspects with dual nationalities to be stripped of Australian citizenship

PARLIAMENT votes to strip dual national terrorists of Australian citizenship, as it’s revealed 145 passports of suspects have already been cancelled.

Close up of Australian flag with travel passport

THE passports of 145 suspected terrorists have been cancelled as the Government continues to clamp down on Australians trying to travel to the Islamic State conflict zones in Iraq and Syria.

The news comes as the Parliament voted at 10.40pm on Thursday night to strip Australian citizenship from dual national terrorists such as Abdul Nacer Benbrika, the Australian-Algerian convicted in 2008 of plotting to blow up the MCG.

He heads the Government list of those expected to be stripped of their Australian citizenship, which would see him booted from the country when he is released from jail in 2017.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop provided the Herald Sun with updated figures showing the passports of 145 Australians had now been cancelled to prevent them leaving the country to become a foreign fighter.

Ms Bishop said around 26 passports had also been suspended, and 22 passport applications had been refused “to prevent people travelling to Syria and Iraq to join the conflict.’’

Around 110 Australians are known to be in Syria or Iraq fighting or engaged with terror groups, while 40 have been killed.

“About 190 people in Australia are being investigated for providing support to individuals and groups in the Syria/Iraq conflict, including through funding and facilitation, or are seeking to travel,’’ Ms Bishop said.

“ASIO is currently managing over 400 high-priority counter-terrorism investigations. This number has more than doubled since early 2014.’’

The Parliament on Thursday night passed the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill 2015, which will strip Australian citizenship from dual citizens who are involved in terrorist conduct overseas or convicted of a terrorism offence in Australia.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton and Attorney-General George Brandis said the laws would also ensure dual national terrorists would be prevented from returning to Australia.

“Dual nationals who engage in terrorism are betraying their allegiance to this country and do not deserve to be Australian citizens,’’ the ministers said.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull yesterday formally opened the new headquarters of the Australian Crime Commission, which has merged with criminal information agency CrimTrac.

“This will deliver greater access, insight and capability for law enforcement, justice and national security,’’ Mr Turnbull said.

“The ACC is dedicated to detecting and disrupting serious and organised crime and is also home to the Government’s Foreign Fighter Task Force, which is working to identify Australian citizens involved in the Syria and Iraq conflict.’’