Former union official was arrested after returning from the Middle East . He left the country in January to illegally join the fight against IS . It is understood George Brandis headed to Iraq or Syria to join Kurdish . The Australian Federal Police has confirmed it is investigating the case . The 43-year-old was allowed to leave the country because he was not on any watch list , report says . A spokesperson for Attorney General Matthew Gardiner said : 'If you fight illegally in overseas conflicts , you face up to life in prison '
Former union official was arrested after returning from the Middle East . He left the country in January to illegally join the fight against IS . It is understood Matthew Gardiner headed to Iraq or Syria to join Kurdish . The Australian Federal Police has confirmed it is investigating the case . The 43-year-old was allowed to leave the country because he was not on any watch list , report says . A spokesperson for Attorney General George Brandis said : 'If you fight illegally in overseas conflicts , you face up to life in prison '