Terrorist, border protection link: senator

Outspoken Liberal senator Cory Bernardi has linked terrorism in Australia to asylum seekers, saying elements of extremism can be traced back to a "disorderly" border protection policy.

While speaking on legislation that reduces the threshold for asylum seekers to be sent home, Senator Bernardi referenced former federal MP Wilson Tuckey who claimed terrorists could get to Australia on asylum seeker boats.

"He was widely condemned for that view but he was absolutely right," he told parliament on Monday.

Senator Bernardi said terrorist activity in Australia and crime can be linked to illegal maritime arrivals.

"There are elements of this that can be traced back to a disorderly migration program," he said.

That wasn't being racist, he argued, merely stating facts.