The threat posed by jihadists returning to Australia and bringing terrorism with them will be discussed by security and intelligence experts this week.
The two-day symposium on countering violent extremism, to be held in Sydney on Thursday and Friday, follows repeated federal government warnings about the increasing risk of terrorist attacks on Australian soil.
Attorney-General George Brandis has told parliament the risk posed by returning foreign combatants from war-torn Iraq and Syria is Australia's greatest national security threat.
Sixty Australians are believed to be fighting for Islamist insurgents in the Middle East, including Islamic State, which has seized swathes of Iraq and Syria.
Another 100 Australians are believed to be actively supporting extremist groups from within Australia by recruiting fighters, grooming suicide bomber candidates and providing funds and equipment.
Those involved in the workshop may be briefed on the direction of the government's new anti-terrorism laws, which will be put to parliament this month.
The proposed measures are expected to include funding for community engagement programs and to establish an Australian Federal Police team to target returning foreign fighters and their supporters.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who has called Islamic State a "death cult", said at the weekend the terrorist threat facing Australia must be confronted on various levels.
"Yes, it's important for us to respond in the field but also to respond to the rage and madness that motivates individuals to join this movement," Mr Abbott said on Saturday.
The conference, being hosted by the Centre for Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism, includes a NSW Police workshop on risk-assessment models that help identify people who represent a threat.
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