The controversy surrounding Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke’s handling of national security raises an awkward question: are we serious about security, or only serious when it is politically convenient?

Burke has warned that Pauline Hanson’s comments about Muslims carry a “national security angle” and risk inciting violence. Words, he argues, can make the job of security agencies harder. Yet in the same breath he assures Australians that authorities “know the state of mind” of the 34 women and children detained in the Syrian camp linked to Islamic State, and that thorough risk assessments have been undertaken.

That confidence is striking.

These individuals did not wander into a conflict zone by accident. Many travelled to join a terrorist organization that explicitly declared war on Australia and the West. ISIS was not coy about its aims. Nor were its methods. The world watched the beheadings. The black flags were not ambiguous.

Given that reality, why is the government not pursuing the strongest possible legal barriers to prevent their return? Parliament moved with impressive speed to strengthen hate-group legislation, including steps toward banning Hizb ut-Tahrir. Legislative urgency is clearly available when required. Why........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)