UN talks head off 'magnet' effect: Abbott

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says security talks at the United Nations will focus on ensuring Iraq and Syria are no longer "magnets" for potential terrorists.

Mr Abbott will head to New York on Tuesday night where he will talk with other world leaders about how best to tackle Islamic State extremists and ensure returning foreign fighters do not launch attacks.

He says it is estimated there are 15,000 foreign fighters involved in terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria.

Among them are at least 60 Australians with 100 others supporting them. A further 60 people were prevented from heading overseas by having their passports cancelled.

"These are people who have been radicalised and brutalised and could become potential terrorists in their home country," Mr Abbott told parliament on Tuesday.

"This problem needs to be tackled both here and abroad."

Australia is ready to join an international coalition to disrupt and degrade ISIL's operations inside Iraq to remove this "magnet", he said.