Muslims 'will protect, embrace Australia'

Many Muslims came to Australia for a better life and will work hard to protect the nation's wellbeing, Victorian community leaders say.

Premier Denis Napthine and Multicultural Affairs Minister Matthew Guy visited the Doncaster East mosque on Thursday, where they met with Muslim community leaders and toured the facilities of the United Muslims Migrants Association (UMMA).

Speaking to a gathered crowd, Dr Moayad T. Attar-Bashi said there were misconceptions about Islam and the great majority of Muslims were hardworking, law abiding and honest and wanted the best for Australia.

"Their contribution to Australia and the Australian way of life cannot be denied," he said.

"They are part of this country, what's good for Australia is good for them and what's bad for Australia is definitely bad for them.

"We are Australian Muslims, Australia is our ship, and if something happened to Australia all of us will be drowned."

It comes amid escalating tension after 18-year-old terror suspect Numan Haider was shot dead after stabbing two police officers outside the Endeavour Hills police station.

Dr Napthine said the incident on Tuesday night was the alleged behaviour of one individual and urged Victorians to stand together regardless of faith or ethnicity.

"When we have these incidents they cause an increased level of anxiety and concern across our community," he told reporters outside the mosque.

"At these time it's really important that all Victorians, all Australians, come together and recognise that we're Victorians and Australians first.

"It's not a time to divide the community. It's a time to be more tolerant and embrace our rich multicultural diversity."