Australian Jihadist Preacher Musa Cerantonio on His Way to Syria or Iraq

THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD: A firebrand Australian Muslim preacher says he is joining the ''caliphate'' established by ultraviolent jihadists in the Middle East - a move that could prove a powerful magnet to would-be extremist fighters.

Melbourne-born Musa Cerantonio, regarded internationally as an influential cheerleader for the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, appeared on Twitter early Wednesday morning to heap praise on the group and its announcement of a new Islamic state.

The former Catholic is believed to have been hiding out in the Philippines for months and is reportedly wanted by the Australian Federal Police.

Mr Cerantonio's announcement came as Attorney-General George Brandis confirmed the government was looking at ways to make sure Australians returning from fighting with extremists in the Middle East would not pose a danger at home. (+ video) » | David Wroe | Wednesday, July 02, 2014