Govt to introduce foreign fighters bill

The government's counter-terrorism bill will be introduced to federal parliament to try to crack down on foreign fighters.

Travelling to a known terrorist hot spot could attract a five-year jail sentence under the new laws, while "advocating terrorism" will attract a similar sentence.

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

Under the new laws, 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.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott headed to New York on Tuesday night to join United Nations security talks. He will outline Australia's commitment to dealing with citizens supporting IS in Iraq and Syria.