$13m for education and employment will halt Muslim radicalisation, says Abbott

The Abbott government is reportedly planning a $13 million program to stop homegrown terrorism in its tracks.

Part of the government's $630 million counter-terrorism program will be dedicated to education, activities and employment opportunities for young Muslims at risk of radicalisation, the Herald Sun has reported.

“We will develop activities to address radicalisation and increase awareness of the dangers of involvement with extremists in foreign conflicts,’’ Prime Minister Tony Abbott said.

Mr Abbott also claimed there were up to 100 pro-terrorism figures in Australia.

He said the program would help inform families and communities, making education the best weapon against terrorism.

The government has recently been criticised by Muslim leaders over its proposed new anti-terror legislation.

It has been reported that up to 60 Australian residents or citizens have travelled overseas to take part in terrorism, including fighting alongside the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

Allegedly among them is Sydney man Khaled Sharrouf, who has posted sickening pictures on social media, including one of his young son apparently holding up a severed head.