States and territory governments have given in-principle backing to new laws which would allow some convicted terrorists to be kept in jail after they have finished their sentences.

Key points: There was broad agreement among attorneys-general the such laws are necessary, George Brandis says

There was broad agreement among attorneys-general the such laws are necessary, George Brandis says 13 people currently in prison who could be subject to the provisions

13 people currently in prison who could be subject to the provisions The amendments will go to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security

The Federal Government has been pushing the states to back laws which would keep terrorists who continue to pose a threat behind bars.

Attorney-General George Brandis met with his state and territory counterparts today to discuss the issue and told reporters in Canberra there was broad agreement that the changes were necessary.

"We are determined to ensure our laws are written in such a way to ensure we are best placed to keep the community safe, while always maintaining the appropriate balance between community safety and traditional legal protections," he said.

"We believe that this legislation achieves those twin objectives."

Senator Brandis said there were 13 people in prison who could be subject to the provisions — nine in New South Wales and four in Victoria.

Of people charged and awaiting trial, he said there were 23 in NSW, 11 in Victoria and two in Queensland.

Senator Brandis said the laws, if adopted, would allow authorities to continue to detention of convicted terrorists considered "high risk" for as long as three years.

"It can be renewed and there is no limit to the number of occasions on which an application for renewal of the order can be made," he said.

"The appropriateness of the continuing detention order is itself subject to review every 12 months, and as well as that, a person to whom the order applies may initiate at any time a review on the basis of changed facts or circumstances."

State or territory supreme courts will be responsible for determining which people convicted of terrorism-related offences are high risk.

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Once introduced into Parliament by Senator Brandis, the amendments will go to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten earlier today emphasised the bipartisan nature of national security.

"When it comes to fighting terrorism, Labor and Liberal are absolutely on the same page," he said.

"I worked well with Tony Abbott, we're working well with Malcolm Turnbull. In terms of radicalisation, I think that's a challenge in jail and out of jail."

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