Citizenship plan half baked, says Xenophon

Independent senator Nick Xenophon says a plan to take away the Australian citizenship of sole nationals suspected of terrorism is half baked.

He wants to be satisfied the federal government is doing the right thing for those putting Australians at risk, while maintaining the top priority of keeping people safe.

"But it seems to me that what is being proposed so far seems a little half baked," Senator Xenophon said.

"If you're going to leave someone completely stateless, then I don't know how that could work, but certainly if someone is a risk to the community then they should not be out in the community."

Under the proposed laws, dual nationals found fighting with terror groups will have their Australian citizenship taken away, even without facing court or being convicted of a crime.

A plan to extend the measure to sole Australian nationals is understood to have faced significant division in the cabinet, with senior ministers raising objections.

Canada enabled measures on Friday to revoke citizenship from dual nationals convicted of terrorism, treason or spying for foreign governments.