Shouldn't 'dump' terror supporters: Greens

The Greens are concerned that proposed legislation to strip dual-nationals of their citizenship if they support terrorism could impact other countries.

Federal Immigration Minister Peter Dutton

The government may boot out Australian-born supporters of terrorism, if they're not left stateless. (AAP)

The Australian Greens are worried that terror supporters who've been stripped of their citizenship could be dumped in countries where authorities aren't equipped to deal with them.

The federal government has proposed legislation to take away the Australian citizenship of dual-nationals if they support groups such as Islamic State.

It would include both people at home and abroad, so long as they're not left stateless, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton confirmed on Sunday.

"Whether they're here or they're offshore, we will strip citizenship from them under this proposal," he told Channel Ten.

There have been 150 people identified in Australia as supporting fighters in Syria, by fundraising, training and preparing to join them.

Mr Dutton also tried to defend his power to make the decision instead of a court.

"We believe that ... it's a decision for the minister of the day, because we are elected by the people to make these tough decisions," he said.

Deputy Greens Leader Scott Ludlam said the coalition was offering "half-hatched and half-baked" proposals in an attempt to appear tough.

"One of the perverse consequences ... is you're conceivably dumping really dangerous people in other jurisdictions or in neighbouring countries where police ... won't be as able or as prepared to deal with them," he told reporters in Perth.

Senator Ludlam said Islamic State doesn't present an "existential threat" to Australia, but rather a security risk.

"We don't want to see some of the tactics the government is adopting potentially making things worse by polarising and dividing people rather than uniting the Australian community."

He called for a more measured debate, arguing prevention, like de-radicalisation programs was more important.

Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese reiterated the party's in principle support to the proposed citizenship changes.

But he insisted it's right for the opposition to want to see the legislation before giving full support.

"You have this ridiculous position ... where it is almost as if some members of the government are trying to say we are more loyal to Australia than others," he told Sky News.


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Source: AAP


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