Forensics centre to tackle terrorism

Malcolm Turnbull says a new $106 million forensics centre will help the Australian Federal Police understand, prevent and deter terrorists.

Opening the Canberra-based centre on Wednesday, the prime minister said terrorists were becoming more agile and using the latest technology to reach out across the globe.

"My government will continue with a sense of relentless dedication to deliver the resources, the support, that our security services and our intelligence services need to keep us safe," Mr Turnbull said.

The centre, which will also help the AFP investigate disasters and probe global crime networks, brings together more than 200 experts working in fields from fingerprint analysis to digital forensics.

A key facility will be the Search Precinct, which provides a central hub for the examination of evidence.

"This facility will expand the AFP's capacity to conduct major investigations and respond to crisis situations, including those involving disaster victim identification," Mr Turnbull said.

The AFP has earned a reputation for its role in domestic and international investigations, including the probe into the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine.