New campaign against radicalisation

Tony Abbott has moved to improve government relations with Muslim leaders and communities at risk of Islamic radicalisation.

The prime minister has appointed parliamentary secretary Concetta Fierravanti-Wells to a new frontbench position with a brief to develop better relations with community leaders and tackle the appeal of jihadist teaching.

Former immigration minister Philip Ruddock has been appointed as Mr Abbott's special envoy for citizenship and community engagement.

Both Senator Fierravanti-Wells and Mr Ruddock would lead a national consultation to improve understanding of the privileges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship, Mr Abbott said.

The consultation will seek community views on further possible measures, including the suspension of certain privileges of citizenship for those involved in serious terrorism.

"It will enable us to consider whether the rights and responsibilities of citizenship are well understood and how we can better promote these, including among young Australians," Mr Abbott said.