ACT politicians will convene a community conference on radicalisation next month as efforts to continue engagement with members of Canberra's Islamic groups are strengthened.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
An interfaith gathering will be held next week after Multicultural Affairs Minister Joy Burch and Chief Minister Katy Gallagher met with leaders of the territory's Muslim community on Thursday.
Ms Gallagher said the meeting had discussed a range of engagement programs to ensure Canberra remained a harmonious society, including information in the media, a focus on young people and cooperation with police and law enforcement agencies.
The moves follow raids on individuals and groups in New South Wales and Queensland by the Australia Federal Police and heightened concern from security agencies about Australians planning terrorist acts.
On Friday, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said security at Canberra's Parliament House had been increased as a result of intelligence concerns it could become a target.
The AFP have taken control of the building's security and will have an increased presence inside and around the 32 hectare site.
Mr Abbott said the current threats came from extremists - and not religious groups or individual faith communities.
"Members of our Muslim community are a valued part of our successful multicultural city," Ms Gallagher said.
"The ACT Government is strongly committed to working with all faith leaders to ensure that our community remains safe and harmonious."
Leaders at Thursday's meeting told Ms Burch that people of the Islamic faith considered Canberra their home and they remained committed to community safety.
"Many Muslims have Australian-born children and are proud Australians," Ms Burch said.
"The meeting talked about the importance of community engagement strategies with an enhanced youth focus, language, and greater cooperation and communications with police and law enforcement agencies.
"The ACT Government will continue to work closely with communities, including the Muslim community, to address radicalisation and the threat it poses. It is a common problem for all Australians."
A spokesman for Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson said he supported the aims of the meeting and conference, but had not yet been informed of the details or invited to attend.
