Bishop confirms terrorism video probe

Australian authorities are investigating a radical Perth preacher who allegedly praised militants responsible for beheadings and mass killings in Iraq.

Junaid Thorne is said to have made comments supporting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in a series of online videos.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says it is a crime to support or promote terrorism and those who do so face severe penalties including 25 years in jail.

"I can confirm these matters are under investigation," she told reporters in Melbourne on Saturday.

According to a report in News Corp Australia's Weekend West, the 24-year-old says of ISIL, also known as ISIS, in one of the videos: "May Allah reward them for such a heroic and glorious act. Congratulations (on) this victory and liberation."

Elsewhere, Mr Thorne also refers to Muslim women being raped by "filthy Jews and Christians".

Ms Bishop said she was concerned about young Australians being attracted to the conflicts in Syria and Iraq.

An estimated 150 Australians have had direct involvement.

ISIL is a proscribed terrorism organisation.