Australian teen appears in IS video as foreign fighters bill moves forward

Australian teenager Abdullah Elmir has appeared in a new video released by the so-called Islamic State, as the Australian government moves forward with new legislation designed to ban the promotion of terror.

Abdullah Elmir (left) appears in the latest Islamic State video. (Youtube)

Abdullah Elmir (left) appears in the latest Islamic State video. (Youtube)

An Australian teenager dubbed the "Ginger jihadist" has appeared in a video released by the so-called Islamic State.

The Sydney teenager appears holding a rifle alongside fellow Islamic State fighters in the six-and-a-half minute clip, posted to YouTube.

Mr Elmir is one of the targets of the new national security legislation, currently before the Senate, which outlaws the promotion of terrorism.

The bill also covers new terror "no-go zones", creating a criminal offence and a possible 10-year jail term for Australians who’ve travelled to declared areas.

Thirty-six significant amendments have been accepted by the government, including for greater oversight.

But the Opposition has sought to ensure legitimate travellers weren’t caught up in the new laws.

Australian Super Hornets have now flown 33 missions over Iraq in its mission against IS.

Speacial Forces are still in the desert near Dubai waiting for the final word to deploy, and Defence Minister David Johnston said they may be working alongside Iranian Shia militia groups.

"I don’t see a problem in that, given the nature of the threat," he said.


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By Karen Barlow


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