A leading Muslim community figure is worried millions of dollars earmarked to prevent the radicalisation of young Australians is not hitting the mark.
The federal government last year allocated $64 million for community engagement and police diversion programs.
Jamal Rifi says the money isn't trickling down to the grassroots.
"You can't win this by legislation and arresting people," he told AAP on Friday.
A 17-year-old boy this week was intercepted by authorities as he attempted leave Australia to join conflicts in the Middle East.
He was the third teenager intercepted at Sydney airport this year.
Dr Rifi said the boys were returned to their families, but since then authorities had adopted a hands-off approach.
Youth case management workers, religious leaders, social workers and mental health experts were desperately needed to challenge the propaganda of terrorist groups and re-engage vulnerable youth.
Dr Rifi is also worried about plans to strip dual nationals, who become foreign fighters, of their citizenship.
"It's not so good to shut the door so tight," he told a leadership conference in Canberra, adding some will want to return.
He pointed out that extremist groups have been known to kill off foreign fighters who had second thoughts in the battlefield and wanted to come home.
Dr Rifi was scathing of remarks Prime Minister Tony Abbott made in February suggesting that Muslim leaders should not just describe Islam as a religion of peace more often but "mean it".
It was an unnecessary remark and would not induce goodwill within the Muslim community, he said.
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