I can confirm that five more individuals have ceased to be Australian citizens because of their involvement with Islamic State offshore.
A total of six individuals have now ceased to be Australian under changes to the Australian Citizenship Act in 2015 to strip dual nationals of Australian citizenship for actions contrary to their allegiance to Australia.
Under section 35 of the Act, a dual national’s Australian citizenship automatically ceases if they act contrary to their allegiance to Australia by engaging in terrorism-related conduct.
This includes those who fight for or who are in the service of a declared terrorist organisation overseas.
Islamic State has been a declared terrorist organisation for these purposes since May 2016.
It is opposed to Australia, its people and its democratic rights and privileges.
Fundamentally, citizenship requires allegiance to this country.
These five dual nationals have been acting against Australia’s interests by engaging with terrorism and have effectively chosen to leave the Australian community.
Cessation of Australian citizenship for dual nationals involved in terrorism is a key part of Australia’s response to international violent extremism and terrorism.
The Government is determined to deal with foreign terrorist fighters as far from our shores as possible to ensure that if they do return it is with forewarning and into the hands of authorities.
Our first priority is, and will always be, the safety and security of all Australians.