Jobs could stop extremism: Fahour

A job is the best way to stop young people getting involved in Islamic extremism, Australia Post's chief says.

Having a job helps young people contribute to society and feel less isolated, Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour has told the Australian Institute for International Affairs.

"For people in their late teens and early adulthood, the best possible form of social inclusion is simply having a job," Mr Fahour said in a speech on Thursday night.

"That is true for young people across all of our minority communities, whether they be gay, African refugees or Muslim Australians."

He said a majority of young people who get involved in Islamic extremism are socially isolated or economically disadvantaged, making them "feel alienated and excluded - like they don't belong."