Three out of four Australians believe a large-scale terror attack is likely on our shores and one in four believe it's inevitable, the latest Newspoll shows.
The poll, taken at the weekend for The Australian, also shows that two thirds of Australians believe the Muslim community is not doing enough to condemn terrorist acts.
But it's found people are divided on whether Australia should commit ground troops in Iraq and Syria to fight the Islamic State group, which has claimed responsibility for the terror attacks in Paris that killed 130 people.
The poll of 1573 people found 76 per cent believe it is likely, very likely or inevitable that a large-scale terrorist attack will be carried out in Australia.
Just 1 per cent believe it will never happen while 24 per cent consider it inevitable.
On committing ground troops to fight IS, Newspoll found 42 per cent in favour, 45 per cent opposed and 13 per cent uncommitted.
Federal government minister Simon Birmingham says people should know "we are doing everything within our power to prevent such attacks from occurring".
"Our nation is well-placed to continue to ensure the safety of Australians. We operate at a high level of risk but that is simply an acknowledgement there are those who would attack us because of our way of life," he said.
Independent senator Jacqui Lambie welcomed the poll's findings.
"It's nice to see Australians have finally woken up to this ... keep an eye on your mate, keep an eye on their back," she told reporters.
Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm isn't worried about a Paris-style attack on Australian soil but is concerned about lone-wolf strikes.
"Individual attacks such as Lindt Cafe and the murder of Curtis Cheng ... I think there is a distinct possibility of that sort of thing occurring again," he said.
Independent Nick Xenophon is calling for vigilance while warning against being critical of the entire Muslim community.
"This is a battle between terrorists and everyone else," he said.
Treasurer Scott Morrison insisted the government was taking a deliberate and calm approach to dealing with a terror threat, rather than a "hot-headed" response.
"They want to be assured that the government is doing everything it possibly can, and we are, to ensure that Australians are protected, particularly here at home," he told Sydney 2GB radio.
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