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Federal Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson says under no circumstances would he support Australia recognising Sharia law.
Dr Nelson's comments came after Britain's Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said he believed the adoption of certain aspects of Sharia (Islamic) law in the UK was unavoidable.
Dr Williams said British Muslims could choose to have marital disputes or financial matters dealt with in a Sharia court.
But Dr Nelson says everyone who comes to Australia should accept the existing laws.
"The idea that in some way you would change your basic values, culture and law to accommodate some people who feel that they don't want to see themselves as Australians first, above all else - under no circumstances would I support that," he said.
Politicians from Britain's main parties have also criticised the call by the leader of the Anglican church.
Senior Home Office official Tony McNulty says there is no place in the UK legal system for Sharia law.
"Private agreements between individuals to resolve disputes are entirely acceptable," he said.
Dr Nelson's comments came after Britain's Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said he believed the adoption of certain aspects of Sharia (Islamic) law in the UK was unavoidable.
Dr Williams said British Muslims could choose to have marital disputes or financial matters dealt with in a Sharia court.
But Dr Nelson says everyone who comes to Australia should accept the existing laws.
"The idea that in some way you would change your basic values, culture and law to accommodate some people who feel that they don't want to see themselves as Australians first, above all else - under no circumstances would I support that," he said.
Politicians from Britain's main parties have also criticised the call by the leader of the Anglican church.
Senior Home Office official Tony McNulty says there is no place in the UK legal system for Sharia law.
"Private agreements between individuals to resolve disputes are entirely acceptable," he said.
