15 July 2013
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus QC and Minister for Home Affairs Jason Clare today met with senior media representatives and community leaders in Sydney to discuss the role of language in countering terrorism and violent extremism.
The round-table discussion brought together representatives from major media organisations and from culturally and linguistically diverse communities to explore how they and government can work together to challenge extremist narratives used to recruit vulnerable youth.
It follows research by the Lexicon of Terrorism Project – a collaboration between the Commonwealth Government and Victorian Government – which canvassed communities in all states and territories over 12 months.
“Language is a powerful tool, and its use when describing terrorism and related activities should be carefully considered,” Mr Dreyfus said.
“We can help challenge extremist narratives by understanding the role of language and by exploring the ways in which we inadvertently play into the hands of extremists by our own use of language.
“Public language that is divisive supports the ‘us’ and ‘them’ notions that extremists promote.
“We want to encourage public discussion that counters negative and divisive ideas.”
Mr Dreyfus said counter-extremist narratives were very important.
“They offer a viable alternative to disenchanted and disaffected individuals who may be vulnerable to extremist ideology.
“There are increasing numbers of websites and social media activity promoting extremist messages but few providing an alternative counter-narrative.
“Today’s discussion is about exploring how the Government, media and communities can work together to challenge these narratives.
“It is also about providing the media with key contacts within communities, to encourage greater conversation.”
The Attorney-General’s Department’s countering violent extremism program aims to reduce the risk of home-grown terrorism by taking a preventative approach, with the emphasis on intervening early before a law enforcement response is required.
“The Attorney-General’s Department has established the Resilient Communities website and provides funding, under the Building Community Resilience grants program, for projects that aim to challenge violent extremism,” Mr Dreyfus said.
“The Australian Government is committed to strengthening Australia’s resilience to radicalisation and assisting individuals to disengage from violent extremist influences and beliefs.”
More information on the Countering Violent Extremism program can be found on the Attorney-General’s Department’s Resilient Communities website.
