Tony Abbott names new national security, citizenship team

Ruddock named 'special envoy for citizenship and community engagement'

26/5/2015

(Translation of this article appears in Arabic section)

The Prime Minister has announced expanded responsibilities for two senior government members to engage with Muslim leaders aimed at combating radicalisation in the community.

Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells will add Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General to her current role of Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services.

The longest serving MP in the house and former chief government whip Philip Ruddock will become 'special envoy for citizenship and community engagement'.

Of Mr Ruddock the prime minister said, 'he has transformed the Liberal Party and our standing in the diverse Australian community over the last 40 years and I'm very, very pleased that Phillip has agreed to take on this important role at my request'.

Mr Abbott also announced a discussion paper on stripping the citizenship of Australians engaged with terrorism.

Up to half of the hundred Australians fighting alongside Islamic State in Iraq and Syria are dual citizens.

Mr Abbott says the ministerial decision would be subject to judicial review and no one would be rendered stateless.

Mr Brandis has told Sky News the government is not planning changes that would render citizens stateless.

'Everything we do will be compliant to the rule of law. But we are going to be tough,' he said.'

These people are crazy, they are a threat to our civilisation, this government is absolutely determined to protect our people, including our youngsters from their influence,' he said.