Australias-Counter-Terrorism-Strategy-2015

Disrupting the movement of terroristsand support for terrorismDisruption activities also involve identifyingand stopping people departing Australia tofight overseas, restricting the movementoffshore of potential Australian foreignfighters (including to transit countries), andstopping terrorists, violent extremistpropaganda and weapons from enteringAustralia.Agencies may stop these people fromtravelling by cancelling passports, undertakingbiometric identity checking processes at theborder or imposing strict visa controls.Preventing potential foreign fighters fromtravelling stops them from directlycontributing to terrorist organisations andnetworks. It may also stop them from dying inconflicts overseas. However, preventing theirtravel may lead to frustration, alienation andanger, and may drive further radicalisationthat could culminate in domestic terroristattacks. Should activities of concern arise,agencies are ready to take appropriate action,and we are working with the community toprovide clear messaging on why we preventtravel.Not all of these foreign fighters would intendto engage in terrorist activity. Even so, theirterrorist connections, skills and experience,combined with a predisposition to violentaction still hold the potential to create securityissues in the long-term.Some foreign fighters may seek to returnhome with the intent to conduct terroristattacks in Australia or to radicalise elements ofthe Australian community. Agencies will takeaction to mitigate the significant security riskthese individuals pose.Each individual seeking to return to Australiawould be managed on a case-by-case basis.This may involve the use of several disruptionapproaches.Options include prosecutions for terrorismoffences overseas or personal restrictions(including permanent or temporary exclusionfrom Australia of non-citizens, control orders,cancellation of passports). Others may chooseto cooperate with government andcommunity initiatives and participate incountering violent extremism programmesand other preventative programmes.Managing returned foreign fightersThe number of Australians looking to fightwith or support terrorist organisationsoverseas is growing. While some will die orchoose to stay overseas permanently, somemay seek to return home.16 | AUSTRALIA’S COUNTER-TERRORISM STRATEGY