"The former watchdog for Australia's anti-terrorism laws has appealed to Tony Abbott to give the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) stronger powers to crack down on the flow of "dangerous" Australians travelling to fight in the Syrian civil war.

Prominent barrister Bret Walker SC served for three years as the independent national security legislation monitor until the Federal Government axed the role earlier this year.

In his final and yet-to-be-released report as monitor, Mr Walker recommends making it easier for authorities to stop Australians travelling to fight in Syria".

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