Tony Abbott says people migrating to Australia must "join our team" as he urges Muslim community leaders to back his proposed anti-terror laws.

The prime minister met with community leaders in Sydney on Monday, trying to sell sweeping new counter-terrorism powers aimed at stopping Australian militants fighting overseas.

The government is facing a backlash from Islamic groups, who fear they will be unfairly targeted by the new laws.

Mr Abbott says Australia faces a serious threat from radicals who travel overseas to fight with terror groups in Syria and Iraq and then become "militarised and brutalised" by the experience.

Speaking shortly before the meeting, Mr Abbott said his main message to Islamic leaders would be to highlight the importance for everyone to be on "Team Australia".