The Federal government has launched a new website to help communities tackle extremism and the radicalisation of young people at grassroots level.
The 'Resilient communities' website is part of a $A9.7million-government program aimed at combating violent extremism in Australia.
Attorney-General Robert McClelland was joined by officials and community leaders to unveil the site in Sydney.
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"Given that so much radicalisation occurs over the internet, we think it's really appropriate indeed and imperative to have a counter opportunity of expression to those who might otherwise be induced to radical websites," Mr McClelland told SBS.
The Grand Mufti of Australia has backed the measure.
"Truthfully, radicalisation is a disease that's found in all corners of the world and is not restricted to a particular sex, religion or nation. It is found everywhere," Grand Mufti Ibrahim Abu Muhammad said.
"We need to surround this disease anywhere it occurs and we should stand against it." he added.
ASIO Deputy Director General David Fricker says engaging disaffected young people is crucial.
"It's important to find those people who are at a vulnerable stage, who are perhaps about to make the wrong choices in life, and make sure society is working with those individuals at that critical moment to keep them on the right path," Mr Fricker told SBS.
Robert McClelland says 38 people have been charged with terrorism offences in Australia and some of those matters are still before the court.
Late last year three Melbourne men were found guilty of planning an attack on the Holsworthy army base in Sydney.
Prosecutors in that case argued the men were motivated by the belief Islam was under attack from the West.
