Counterterrorism checks are being conducted on 55,000 athletes, officials and volunteers involved in next year's Melbourne Commonwealth Games by ASIO, amid heightened fears of a terrorist attack.

Those involved in the event will have their names checked against information held in the intelligence agency's terrorism databases, The Australian reports.

The checks, which are already under way, are being conducted amid increased concern of a terrorist attack at the event, the report says.

It is believed that families of some of the 4500 athletes competing at next year's Games will also be checked.

Anyone planning to enter security-controlled areas including competition venues and the athlete's villages must have their name checked against ASIO's terrorism records before the start of the Games on March 15.

Media may also be forced to undergo checks.

ASIO said so far no-one checked had been rejected.

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