PM's message to Australians on extremism

THE PRIME MINISTER'S MESSAGE TO AUSTRALIANS ON VIOLENT EXTREMISM:

"This phenomenon of violent extremism, of terrorism, politically motivated violence, is a challenge for all of us, as a community, as a society, as a government."

"It is a law-and-order issue of the highest priority."

"This phenomenon of violent extremism is a challenge to the most fundamental Australian values."

"There is no comparable country with as large a percentage of its citizens and residents born from outside its shores, with such a diverse cultural mix of peoples."

"Mutual respect is the glue that binds this very diverse country together. It is what enables us to be so successful. Mutual respect is fundamental to our harmony as a multicultural society and it is fundamental to our success."

"The key to that mutual respect is that it is a two-way street. Every religion, every faith, every moral doctrine understands the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. So if we want to be respected, if we want our faith, our cultural background to be respected, then we have to respect others."

"We have to ask ourselves: are we teaching our young people both by word and by deed the values of mutual respect? Because if we are not, then we are not doing enough for Australia."

"Not all extremist talk, intolerant, hateful speech, not all of it leads to violence. But let me tell you: that's where all violence begins. And we have to call it out. We have to call out the language, the examples of disrespect, the language of hatred wherever it is practised."

"We acknowledge the right of each individual to observe his or her own faith, to be true to their own conscience, to respect - to express freely their own beliefs, provided they do so in accordance with the law of Australia."

"Faith is and must be a positive force in our community. It should serve to promote cohesion, respect and compassion for each other. Extremism destroys the virtues of faith and religion in our community."

"Individual Muslims who preach hatred of other Muslims, of Christians, of Jews or others, threaten to undermine our social harmony, our prosperity and our security."

"Equally, people who try to tag all Muslims with responsibility for the crimes of a tiny minority and convert that into a general hatred of all Muslims are also undermining our national interest."

"I want to encourage Australians of all faiths, or of no faith, to reflect on this fundamental value of mutual respect. To look around, let's look around ourselves and say - ask this question: is this not the most wonderful country in which to live?"

"It is not compulsory to live in Australia. If you find Australian values, you know, unpalatable, then there's a big wide world out there and people have got freedom of movement."