Portfolio — 26 June 2026

Tony Burke used a media release to address three distinct but connected security and immigration questions, signalling an integrated approach across his Home Affairs and Immigration portfolios. Most consequentially, Burke confirmed that a formal review of Australia's national terrorism threat level is under way, examining whether the existing gradations are sufficient [TA-260625-home-eb0d8a71bbfb].

The review involves ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess and comes against a backdrop that includes recent domestic attack incidents. Burke did not indicate a timeline for the review's completion, and the source does not specify what additional gradations are being considered — that gap is worth tracking.

On a separate but related security matter, Burke confirmed that a return permit has been issued for an ISIS-linked woman, with extensive surveillance conditions attached [TA-260625-home-eb0d8a71bbfb]. The conditions include a requirement that she provide 24 hours' notice before using any telecommunications — an unusually specific control that signals both the AFP and ASIO's involvement in managing her return.

The minister did not name the individual or specify the legal instrument underpinning the permit conditions. Burke's decision to address this publicly appears designed to demonstrate that the return is being managed with rigorous oversight rather than routine processing.

Burke also confirmed he will not grant a visa to British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, stating that such individuals are barred under his immigration portfolio. This is consistent with the character test and public interest grounds available under the Migration Act. Separately, when questioned about a proposal for Australia to become a monoculture — a reference to arguments associated with Pauline Hanson and One Nation — Burke rejected it directly, affirming that Australia has always been multicultural.

The minister did not attribute the proposal to any specific party or individual in his public remarks.

Across these four distinct questions, Burke presented a consistent framing: that counter-terrorism controls and immigration policy operate as a single integrated function, with security rigour and multicultural identity as complementary rather than competing objectives. No parliamentary segment is present for this date.