An Australian suburban doctor has blamed the federal government for the failure of his effort to bring home 34 Australian women and children linked to the Islamic State group from a detention camp in north east Syria. The doctor said he worked with international humanitarian organisations and attempted to follow official processes but received no support from Canberra.

He said negative public statements from the prime minister created obstacles with authorities in the region, who questioned why they should assist if Australia did not want the families returned. According to the doctor, there were also concerns the group could become stranded in a transit country without formal backing from the Australian government.

The prime minister has ruled out government assistance for repatriation, stating that individuals who travelled overseas to support extremist causes must face the consequences and any breaches of Australian law. The doctor also revealed he had tried to locate a young Australian man allegedly taken to Syria as a child, but was unable to secure his release. Despite the setback, he said he does not regret trying to help the women and children, many of whom have spent years in the camp.