Govt releases foreign fighter laws

Travelling to a known terrorist hot spot could attract a five-year jail sentence under proposed laws dealing with foreign fighters.

Attorney-General George Brandis will introduce the counter-terrorism bill to parliament on Wednesday, which will immediately be referred to a committee for review.

"The escalating security crisis in Iraq and Syria poses an increasing threat to Australia," Senator Brandis said.

The bill creates new offences for "advocating terrorism" and entering or remaining in a "declared zone", both of which can attract a five-year jail term.

The definition of "advocacy" will be expanded to include the "promotion and encouragement of terrorist acts" as well as praising terrorist acts.

Law enforcement agencies will get extra powers to investigate, arrest and prosecute people who support foreign conflicts.

Welfare, family payments and paid parental leave can be cancelled on security grounds.

Passports can be seized for 14 days, and if such a seizure could tip the person off to an investigation, it can be done without notice.

Police will be able to access preventive detention orders quicker, needing verbal approval only in urgent circumstances.

There will also be an expanded role for the attorney-general's department and customs.

Senator Brandis released a 227-page explanatory note with the 164-page draft bill on Tuesday.