Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has asked Australians with strong views about Kosovo to show restraint.

Kosovo's Parliament declared the province's independence overnight.

The Federal Government has formally recognised the independence of Kosovo but other countries including Russia are strongly opposed.

Australians with Balkan backgrounds are already debating Kosovo's future and Mr Smith is urging them to be respectful to each other.

"We know that in sections of the Australian community attitudes towards the independence of Kosovo are strongly and firmly held," he said.

"Whatever views are expressed should be expressed by way of restraint so as to ensure that all persons' views in this matter are respected."

A Serbian community organisation has already written to the Prime Minister to express its disappointment with the Federal Government's decision to support the independence of Kosovo.

The president of the Serbian Orthodox Welfare Association, Doctor Marko Marinkovich, says he was surprised at the speed of the Government's decision.