IMMIGRATION Minister Philip Ruddock travelled to Sydney’s Muslim heartland last night to meet its spiritual leader following concerns extremist Islamic speakers were visiting Australia.

[Sheikh Hilaly] also said new ASIO laws allowing for the detention and interrogation of people discriminated against and victimised Muslims. He had expressed his concerns to Canberra, warning that the powers would wrongly fuel suspicions about Muslims and drive a wedge through the community.

IMMIGRATION Minister Philip Ruddock travelled to Sydney’s Muslim heartland last night to meet its spiritual leader following concerns extremist Islamic speakers were visiting Australia.

Sheikh Taj Din Al Hilaly is concerned extremist speakers have been visiting to target young Muslims, preaching social disharmony and isolation.

Sheikh Hilaly had said the Immigration Department failed to consult him on whether these speakers should be granted visas. Mr Ruddock denied there was a lack of consultation, saying staff liaised regularly with the Muslim community.

He said Sheik Hilaly had not given him specific information in recent years about speakers he was concerned about.

Sheik Hilaly’s comments sparked fears among Islamic leaders that the community would be placed once again under unfair scrutiny.

Lebanese Muslim Association spokesman Adam Houda said directors today would meet Sheik Hilaly, head Imam at the Lakemba Mosque in Sydney’s west.

The chief executive of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Amjad Mehboob, said he supported Sheik Hilaly’s comments, saying some Muslims were in danger of being radicalised.

Sheikh Hilaly said the visiting speakers were not preaching violence but social disharmony, intolerance and isolation.

“Unqualified people who are teaching them religion, they trap young people through some of the emotives; they feed off the hatred in society,” he said.

“We must all co-operate to treat this problem. If the Government had worked with us properly, there would not be one person with extremist views in this country.”

Sheikh Hilaly also said new ASIO laws allowing for the detention and interrogation of people discriminated against and victimised Muslims. He had expressed his concerns to Canberra, warning that the powers would wrongly fuel suspicions about Muslims and drive a wedge through the community.

“Let’s not discriminate against different sections of society. We are all subject to the same law. Let’s apply it fairly.”