of the caliphate and before Islamic State became a recognised entity have already returned home, but
represented a different threat than the current crop.
'It is my view that the political agenda, if you like, that surrounded that particular group is very different,
the motivations are very different than what we face today.'
Measures aimed at countering violent extremism were critical in the combat against the current
terrorism threat, Mr Lewis said in the Senate hearing.
This follows reports that the wife and children of notorious Australian Islamic State fighter Khaled
Sharrouf are trying to come home.
It is believed that the family of Sharrouf, one of Australia's most wanted terrorists, wish to return to
Australia due to poor living conditions in Syria.
There were shockwaves around the world last year when a photo was posted on Facebook of
Sharrouf's seven-year-old son holding a decapitated head in Syria.
Earlier this month, legal representatives for three men currently in Syria approached the federal
government seeking information about penalties they may face upon their return to Australia.
'We are not in a position on the security side of the house to arrest our way to success, if that's a way
of expressing it,' he said.
'The secret to resolving this problem, which is a whole of society problem, lies in the issue of
community cohesion and countering violent extremism.'
Australian Islamic State fighter Khaled Sharrouf has posted controversial photos with his sons on
Social Media
Khaled Sharrouf would face certain prosecutions and a lengthy jail sentence if he return to Australia