Mark Butler faces heat over legislation to stop ISIS-linked Australians returning in Jane Hume grilling

The Coalition has accused Labor of refusing to strengthen the country’s counter-terrorism laws, renewing calls for legislation aimed at preventing third parties from helping Australians who joined Islamic State to return home.

The political clash comes after One Nation urged Opposition leader Angus Taylor to support tougher measures to stop ISIS fighters and sympathisers from returning to Australia.

But Deputy Liberal leader Jane Hume told Sunrise the Coalition’s proposal could not become law without Labor’s backing, dismissing suggestions Pauline Hanson’s party held the balance of power.

“The problem here, of course, is that it’s not One Nation’s votes that we need to pass this legislation. And Pauline should know that after 30 years in politics, we simply don’t have the numbers even with One Nation,” Ms Hume told host Natalie Barr.

“It’s Labor’s votes that we need to make sure that we can shut the door on ISIS terrorists, sympathisers coming back to our shores.

“So it’s up to Mark to tell us why we can’t get this done, because the legislation is there. We don’t need One Nation. We need Labor. Otherwise we simply don’t have the numbers.”

Pressed on whether the proposed laws could have any real effect given Australia is generally required under international law to allow its citizens to return, Senator Hume said the Coalition’s proposal would target people who facilitate those returns.

“The legislation will prevent third parties from helping people from helping ISIS sympathisers return home.”

“You’ll recall with the ISIS brides that it was actually a mate of Tony Burke, somebody from his campaign team, that allowed those sympathisers to come back to Australia, helped get them passports, helped their travel plans to come back to Australia in return to our shores.

“We want to prevent that from happening.”

Health Minister Mark Butler rejected Ms Hume’s stance, arguing Australia’s current counter-terrorism framework was already as strong as constitutionally possible and had been developed with bipartisan support over many years.

“Well, we don’t know what the proposed laws are. I suspect the Daily Telegraph got that letter before Angus Taylor did. I suspect this is one of many soccer balls that are going to be bowled at Angus Taylor by Pauline Hanson between now and the next election,” he said.

Mr Butler assured the government would deal with any returning ISIS-linked Australians under the existing legal framework.

“Well, we’ve been very clear the government will do nothing to assist these people coming back,” he said.

“If more people find their way back to the border, Australian citizens find their way back to the Australian border. They will be met at the airport with the full force of the law.”

Ms Hume argued it was now up to Labor to bolster legislation.

“It’s really up to Labor to see if we can strengthen the laws. It’s got nothing to do with One Nation. They don’t have the numbers. We can’t do it with One Nation,” she said.

“We have to do it with Labor. So Labor, it’s up to you.”