MEDIA STATEMENT
29 October 2026
A convicted Islamic State terrorist and self-declared Australian ISIS commander is set to walk free from jail this Sunday. The Government has failed to apply to the court to extend the detention of Isaac El Matari. This is deeply concerning.
El Matari is no ordinary criminal.
He was convicted of terrorism offences after plotting to establish an ISIS stronghold in the Blue Mountains and planning attacks against Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral and the United States Embassy.
The Australian Federal Police is reportedly seeking an interim control order to impose restrictions on El Matari’s activities following his release.
I welcome the AFP taking steps to manage the potential threat, but Australians are entitled to ask why the option of continued detention has apparently not been pursued, by this Government.
What risk assessments were undertaken? What assurances can the Government give Australians that every available and appropriate measure has been taken to protect the community?
These questions are particularly important given reports of El Matari’s past association with Naveed Akram, one of the alleged perpetrators of the horrific Bondi Hanukkah terrorist attack.
We have already seen the devastating consequences of Islamist extremism and antisemitic hatred.
The first responsibility of any government is to keep Australians safe. That responsibility cannot be compromised or abrogated.
The Coalition has consistently taken a strong approach to national security, and I will continue to advocate for laws that give our agencies the tools they need to confront terrorism and violent extremism, and for the Government to use them.
The Home Affairs Minister must explain what measures are being pursued, why a continuing detention order was not sought, and how the community will be protected following El Matari’s expected release.
[ENDS]
Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au