It should be good politics too, despite the cries from Labor of his "most embarrassing" policy reversal yet.

In the unlikely circumstances of a policy backflip, Tony Abbott has shown real leadership and an understanding of the power of the Prime Ministerial pulpit.

The wars in Syria and Gaza have inflamed emotions in the Islamic community and beyond. Gruesome images posted by jihadis on social media have shocked the community and ratcheted up tensions.

Plans to soften the hate speech laws had struck a raw nerve among Muslims, given the hammering their faith gets in the tabloid media.

The laws had, Abbott said, "become a complication".

"I don't want to do anything that puts our national unity at risk this time," he said. "This is a call that I have made. It is, if you like, a leadership call."

Abbott also carefully handled a pointed question that resonates among Muslims: why aren't we stopping Australian citizens from fighting in the Israeli Defence Force but we do when they head to Syria?

He explained that dual citizens were allowed to fight overseas for a country that they shared formal allegiance to. The Foreign Incursions and Recruitment Act applies only to non-state actors such as terrorists trying to usurp a recognised government.

"If there was a dual Australian-Egyptian citizen, for instance, there'd be no problem with that citizen in the Egyptian defence force," Abbott said.

Putting aside the vexed issue of data retention, still the subject of continuing consultations, the measures announced on Tuesday were largely incremental, targeted and generally sensible, albeit expensive.

The surge of foreign fighters to Syria and Iraq is unprecedented for Australia. The relevant laws preventing Australians fighting overseas in conflicts were drafted in the 1970s.

Technological advances and the rise of social media has changed the equation for law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Young Australian men are being radicalised in new ways via social media and YouTube and quickly.

The Prime Minister's gesture needs to be matched by efforts on the ground. The signs are encouraging.

Abbott had promised closer consultations with the Muslim community. Attorney-General George Brandis meets regularly with Muslim leaders. Law enforcement takes counter-radicalisation seriously.

And new powers for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to suspend passports at short notice are, in part, designed to give authorities the time to get family, clerics and community leaders to counsel the would-be fighter.