Muslim leaders unhappy with George Brandis meeting

A meeting on proposed anti-terror laws between Attorney-General George Brandis and key Muslim leaders in Sydney's west was "insufficient" to allay community concerns, a spokesman says.

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Islamic community member and spokesperson for the attendees Hany Aner (AAP)

Community consultation over proposed anti-terror laws has been "insufficient" to allay concerns, according to a Muslim leader.

When Attorney-General George Brandis met with key Muslim leaders in Sydney's west on Friday, the group had 30 minutes to review draft amendments to the legislation.

Muslim leader Hany Amer says there was not enough time to look over the proposals, which aims to stop young Australians being radicalised and taking part in wars in the Middle East.

As they stand, the laws did not have enough safeguards for the innocent, he says.

Leaders left the meeting in Parramatta with the same concerns they had at the start about the Muslim community being unfairly targeted.

The federal government's public statements and foreign policies were only exacerbating tensions, he says.  

"These hastily pursued measures with little genuine consultation will infringe on our right to a presumption of innocence until proven guilty," Mr Amer said.

Based on Friday's meeting, it was difficult to feel the community's voice has been heard, but if there was further engagement positive solutions were possible, he said.

Mr Amer said he was told the proposals weren't up for negotiation.

In contrast, a spokesman for Mr Brandis said the meeting was constructive.

"It was a friendly and constructive meeting and it was agreed that consultations would continue," the spokesman said.

Last week, a handful of Islamic leaders refused to attend meetings with Prime Minister Tony Abbott in Sydney and Melbourne.

Mr Abbott said although the boycott was "foolish", there was a "Team Australia" spirit among those who did join in.

The federal government plans to spend $64 million on its anti-terror measures, including the creation of a new Australian Federal Police team to target returning foreign fighters and their supporters.

About 60 Australians are fighting in Iraq and Syria with groups like Islamic State, also known as ISIS, while another 100 are providing support from Australia.

Mr Abbott said the package didn't target any specific religion or community group.


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Source: AAP


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