Joe Hockey insists the federal government's planned anti-terror laws aren't "anti-Muslim", despite concerns the measures unfairly target the Muslim community.
The treasurer's comments come after Prime Minister Tony Abbott urged the Muslim community to back his counter-terrorism measures and embrace "Team Australia".
Mr Hockey defended the measures, saying terrorism was not defined by faith.
"It's not an anti-Muslim issue," he told reporters in Silverwater, in Sydney's west, on Wednesday.
"Our laws are about protecting our people."
Mr Abbott's push to garner support for his laws hit a roadblock this week after the Islamic Council of Victoria refused to meet with him to discuss the legislation.
The group accused Mr Abbott of using "inflammatory" language when discussing his anti-terror measures and "wilfully" placing the Muslim community "in the crosshairs of every bigot and racist in the country".
Mr Hockey stressed the measures were about "putting Australia first and protecting all of our citizens, no matter what their belief may be".
Muslim community leaders are due to meet Attorney-General George Brandis next week to discuss the anti-terror laws.
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