Turnbull refuses to blame Abbott rhetoric

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has rejected suggestions his predecessor's rhetoric exacerbated the problem of extremism in Australia.

Mr Turnbull refused to say whether any of the seven Muslim leaders he met with in western Sydney on Friday expressed concerns about Tony Abbott's approach, insisting he could only speak warmly of the former prime minister.

He took a shot at the reporter who asked the question, telling him: "I'm frankly disappointed that on a matter of such importance you try to create mischief like that".