Greater access to mental health files could be on the table as part of a review into lone-wolf terrorism in Australia.
Malcolm Turnbull has asked his top counter-terrorism adviser Greg Moriarty for ideas on how to prevent lone-wolf attacks in the aftermath of the Nice massacre and Sydney's Lindt cafe siege.
Agencies will be asked to take a fresh look at their terrorist investigation watchlists to see if there are connections with mental health concerns or a history of crime.
The prime minister says police and security services can already access mental health records where there is suspicion of terrorist activities.
But asked whether the government wanted access to mental health files of those considered at risk of committing a terrorist act, the prime minister said his first priority was to ensure Australians were safe.
He admitted it would be a huge step.
"It's important that this be looked at carefully," Mr Turnbull told 3AW on Friday.
He said terror concerns would have to be balanced with the gigantic challenge of mental health and ensuring people had confidence in seeking help.
"It is critical too that people feel and know that when they go to Headspace (mental health service) ... they do so confidentially and in a trusted environment."
