No one Muslim fits all

The government must make this as broad as possible by including those elements of mainstream Muslim Australia that were not present.

But it is crucial that this engagement goes both ways. Muslim Australia will naturally listen to the government. The question is whether or not the government will return the favour.

Muslim Australia has, largely, come to feel alienated by the political conversation in this country. Its impression of government has been forged by a series of negative images: Tampa, the mandatory detention of asylum seekers, ASIO raids that led to no arrests, draconian anti-terror legislation and wars with Afghanistan and Iraq. Remedial work is required.

Whatever political views we may have on these issues, it is important to recognise that this alienation is a concern - not simply for the sake of Muslim Australia, but for all of us.

The government is calling for assistance from Australian Muslims in the fight against terrorism. High-ranking intelligence, law enforcement and security officials, like Mick Keelty, are all saying that the Muslim community is a vital ally, and a source of intelligence, in this struggle. And Australian Muslims have demonstrated this repeatedly.

When a man reportedly recruiting for terrorist organisations was identified in Australia and subsequently deported, this followed a lengthy flow of information coming from concerned Australian Muslims. In June, further ASIO raids were reportedly conducted, at least in part, on intelligence provided from the Muslim community itself.

If this is to be sustained, the government must cultivate a substantial degree of trust with Muslim Australia. It must demonstrate to Australian Muslims that the government is with them. How can it demand assistance in an environment of mutual suspicion?