Australians returning from fighting alongside Islamic State could have their co-operation with authorities taken into account when they are sentenced, Prime Minister Tony Abbott says.
There are reports that about a dozen Australians are seeking to come home after being caught up in the fighting in Syria and Iraq.
One of these, father of five Adam Brookman, told Fairfax Media he never committed an act of violence in Syria and wants to come back to his family in Melbourne.
He says he went to Syria as a nurse after becoming concerned the international community was ignoring the bloodshed and was forced to join IS.
The Australian Federal Police say a small number of Australians have made approaches to return from conflict zones.
Lawyers say some of those seeking to return are willing to help deradicalise young people and point out the evils of IS.
The prime minister told reporters in Brisbane on Wednesday he was pleased Australians were becoming disillusioned with the "death cult" and wanted to come home.
But Mr Abbott said they have committed serious crimes and must be arrested and prosecuted.
However, he admitted there was scope for them to co-operate and potentially get a lesser sentence.
Co-operating with authorities, pleas and evidence of contrition were all things routinely taken into account by the criminal justice system.
"But it's a serious crime under Australian law to fight with a terrorist organisation and ... the last thing we want is people who have been radicalised and brutalised by an evil death cult roaming our streets."
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