Australia to Use $60M to Combat Muslim Extremism

The Australian government plans to spend $60 million to fund measures to counter violent Muslim extremism and radicalization.

Australia wants to strengthen programs aimed at preventing young people from getting involved with Islamic terrorists in Iraq and Syria. They also plan to start new multi-agency investigation teams.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said at least 60 Australians are fighting for Islamic State (ISIS) overseas, and he has warned citizens against underestimating their effect if they return home. 

"It only takes one person to engage in a violent terrorist act," he told Parliament.

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He said the new initiative doesn't target Muslims as a group, but focuses specifically on the radicals.

"I want to make it absolutely crystal clear the enemy here is terrorism - it's not any particular faith or any particular community," Abbott said.