Overview

• AFP told Senate estimates it is preparing for additional self‑managed arrivals from Syria but declined to specify how many are expected.
• Senior officials said Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke was briefed in June, on 25 September before the cohort’s arrival, and on 29 September afterward.
• The two women and four children reached Australia on 26 September after leaving al‑Hol for Beirut, where passports were issued following identity and security checks.
• Criminal inquiries are underway under Operation Howth in coordination with ASIO and state and territory police, with the individuals under monitoring and their whereabouts withheld.
• Home Affairs said two children required citizenship by descent, no temporary exclusion order was sought, and affected communities such as Assyrian Christians and Yazidis were not notified in advance.