Mr Brandis brought along his usual scowl ABC's Q&A program. Source: Supplied
FEDERAL Attorney-General George Brandis has told Australian Muslims they are "the victim" during tonight's ABC Q&A episode amid a boycott from members of the Muslim community.
Appearing solo on the program and facing questions from an upset community from Sydney's Bankstown district, Mr Brandis answered questions surrounding Australia's counterterrorism activities, foreign fighters' laws and national security in particular.
Leaders of the Muslim community, academics and the AFP were relegated to the audience as Brandis insisted the Muslim community is "not the problem" but instead "the solution".
"What the government is trying to do is protect the same community by protecting them from the predators who prey on them," he said.
The Muslim Legal Network's Lydia Shelly. Source: Supplied
May Fahmi expressed concern over abuse of Muslim women on the streets. Source: Supplied
But he insisted it was that very community that faced the biggest threat — recruitment by foreign radicals — saying the community — notably younger men — were particular targets.
"There is a problem, and the problem is ... that there are people, a small handful of very wicked people, who target young Muslim men and try to ensnare them into going to the Middle East and lead them on a path of self destruction.
"You mightn't like to hear me say the word victim ... but the government thinks this community is being preyed upon ... ensnared, cajoled."
He made particular efforts to make note of the fact the rebels attempting to travel overseas are "young, Muslim men".
"Please let us not pretend that there is not a specific problem that affects this community," he said.
"Every last one of those people have been recruited from within this [Muslim] community.
"What I'm trying to convey to you is the government thinks that this community is being preyed upon,
"Young men in particular are being preyed upon and leading them on a path to destruction."
Meanwhile, Australian Federal Police assistance commissioner and national manager for counter terrorism told viewers to expect more anti-terror raids, as seen in Sydney and Brisbane.
"We have a large number of investigations. What the community will expect is similar raids that will take place in the future," Mr Gaughan told host Tony Jones.
"The environment has changed, we'll be forced to react much quicker than what we have".
He "made no apologies" for the number of police used in the raids and confirmed a sword seized was a "legitimate weapon" and not plastic, as reported by numerous media outlets.
"We believe, as does NSW police, that those resources are appropriate," he said of the more than 100 Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police officers who took part in the operation.
Mr Brandis backed the comments, describing the plot to kidnap and behead an Australian in Sydney's Martin Place as "an act of lethal, terrorist violence".
"Let us get this straight, the police operation Appleby was not over the top, it was not overreach. The individual was about to commit a terrorist crime, an act of violence, here in Sydney.
"I make absolutely no apologies and i'm sure police make no apologies to apprehend and intercept and prevent the act of lethal terrorist violence."
The Attorney-General on the loss of free speech, hate preachers and the Royal Commission's findings re Julia Gillard.
Mr Brandis refused to comment on the whereabouts of the 73 Australians whose passports were cancelled after they attempted to leave the country and join forces with Islamic State.
"That wouldn't have happened unless there were grounds. The authorities have their eyes on these people and are going to ensure they don't do harm. We have an obligation to protect the international community," he said.
But when he made an anecdote surrounding Prime Minister Tony Abbott's infamous "Team Australia" line, all he received were laughs from the audience.
"Team Australia, from the mouth of Tony abbott is a word on inclusion.
"It's his favourite collective noun, to address the word as team, which is certainly what he meant in that press conference."
Since going to war with Islamic State, 71 Australians are considered to be fighting in northern Iraq and Syrian terrorist organisations. Fifteen Australians have been killed in combat, two who have acted as suicide bombers.
At least 20 Australians have returned home from fighting.
