Abbott wants debate on what it means to be an Australian

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has called for a national conversation about what it means to be an Australian citizen.

(AAP) Source: AAP

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has warned there must be consequences for people who break the Australian citizenship pledge.

In an opinion piece for the Daily Telegraph Mr Abbott says Australians are angry that a terrorism threat can come from people who have enjoyed the country's hospitality and generosity.

The government will introduce legislation within weeks that would allow for dual citizens to be stripped of their right to be Australian.

It comes amid reports that The family of Islamic State jihadist Khaled Sharrouf, whose young son was pictured holding up a severed head, is reportedly trying to return from Syria to Australia.