The federal government has rejected suggestions it is using the public release of a counter-terrorism white paper as a smokescreen for embattled Environment Minister Peter Garrett.
PM Kevin Rudd announced the introduction of fingerprinting and facial imaging on visa applicants from around ten countries, warning that home-grown terrorism is now a reality in Australia.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said Australia would delay naming the countries where visa applicants will need to give fingerprints and face-scans, admitting that "diplomatic effort" may be needed with their governments.
But Rudd said Somalia and Yemen had been identified as two countries where the threat of Islamic extremism was growing.
He added that Australia will spend 69 million dollars on the new biometric facilities and will set up a national control centre to coordinate efforts to fight extremism.
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The government also plans to work with communities to stamp out radicalism by helping all ethnic groups integrate better with mainstream society.
Its release comes at a time when the government battles to fend off opposition attacks on Mr Garrett and his handling of the now axed household insulation program.
"That is just not right," Foreign Minister Stephen Smith told ABC Radio.
"We are releasing the document because it is ready for release," Mr Smith said.
The white paper warns of the growing risk from home-grown terrorists radicalised by the message of violent jihadism.
"Terrorism and counter-terrorism is going to be with us as an enduring feature for a long period of time," Mr Smith said, adding that home-grown threats swayed by extremist messages had now manifested in Australia.
"Since 2001, we have had 20 convictions and we have had about 40 people whose passports have been refused or confiscated for terrorism reasons," he said.
Independent senator Nick Xenophon is not convinced about the government's reasons for releasing the white paper on Tuesday.
"Clearly, I think some people could be wary as to the timing of the release of this report today," he told reporters.
Liberal senator Chris Back said the release was designed to distract attention away from the troubled insulation program.
"The worst issue that we've got at the moment is the accountability of the prime minister and his ministers," he said.
Liberal colleague Simon Birmingham said the problems of the insulation program posed a greater risk to Australians than terrorism.
"The government needs to deliver on its counter-terrorism strategy, but right now there are potentially 1000 plus roofs out there electrified."
The government's top priority should be the insulation program, and not the release of the white paper, he said.
"The government should be able to walk and chew gum, I would expect them to be able to do both," Senator Birmingham said.
Mr Smith said the Australian community and parliament were capable of dealing with prevailing political issue of the day as well as Australia's national security.
