Concerns over jailed convicted terrorist

Convicted terrorist Abdul Nacer Benbrika has been influencing jihadist recruits from prison in a quest to become the spiritual leader of a new generation of Australian extremists, it's been reported.

Concerned over his growing influence, authorities have moved him to a different Victorian prison after several of his followers travelled to Syria to fight with the Islamic State group after visiting him in jail, News Corp Australia reported on Saturday.

Quoting security sources, News Corp says authorities believe Benbrika is seeking to model himself on jailed Indonesian cleric Abu Baku Bashir, the spiritual leader of the Bali bombers, who recently embraced Islamic State.

A self-proclaimed Islamic cleric, Algerian-born Benbrika is serving a 15-year jail term for leading a terrorist group in 2005 that talked of attacking Melbourne's Crown casino and bombing the MCG.

Authorities are reportedly reviewing Benbrika's privileges, including his access to computers and books, and the number of visitors he receives, though prisoners are entitled under law to receive a certain number.