The Federal government is introducing passport changes to prevent what they call would-be terrorists and sex offenders from travelling abroad.

Under the changes authorities could cancel, revoke or refuse passports for national security or terrorism purposes.

Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney and Citizenship Minister Chris Alexander announced the changes Thursday afternoon.

The Ministers say people who have their passports revoked or cancelled will have to wait ten years before applying for another.

The changes would allow Federal Court justices who preside over passport proceedings to protect information from being disclosed.  but the justices could use that information in reaching their decisions.