What laws cover Australians fighting illegally abroad?

Federal Attorney General George Brandis has signalled his wish to have Australians fighting in overseas conflicts detained when they return home.

An image purportedly showing members of the armed group ISIS executing Iraqi security forces at an undisclosed location.

Federal Attorney General George Brandis has warned around 60 Australians fighting with armed groups overseas pose a serious risk to national security.

And he's signalled his wish to have them detained when they return home.

Ben Saul is Professor of International Law at the University of Sydney.

He spoke with Phillippa Carisbrooke about proposals to give authorities broader powers to combat terrorism.

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