NextFin news, Australia's special envoy to combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, delivered a comprehensive report on Friday in Sydney, calling on the Albanese government to implement measures including tracking Islamophobic hate crimes and reviewing counter-terrorism laws for potential discrimination against Muslims.
The report, presented after consultations with over 100 Muslim community members and leaders, revealed that Islamophobic incidents have "skyrocketed," with the Islamophobia Register Australia recording a 150 percent increase by November 2024. Malik described Islamophobia as a "deeply ingrained societal challenge" that disproportionately affects Muslim women, particularly those wearing hijabs, who face physical assaults and verbal abuse.
Malik emphasized the need for federal religious freedom laws, updated racial discrimination protections, and mandated religious sensitivity training for Australian Federal Police officers. He also recommended establishing a Muslim advisory panel to review counter-terrorism legislation and its application, which often associates Islam with violence and terrorism.
The envoy proposed 54 recommendations targeting accountability, protection, and education, including a national inquiry into Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism, recognition of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on March 15, and enhanced online safety laws to combat hate speech.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking alongside Malik, stated the government would "carefully consider" the recommendations but maintained that religious discrimination legislation would require bipartisan support before progressing. Albanese affirmed the need to "stamp out the hate, fear and prejudice that drives Islamophobia and division in our society."
The report also highlighted the impact of the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict since October 7, 2023, which has intensified anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic sentiments in Australia. Malik called for inquiries into the role of media and government policies in contributing to these hostilities.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly and community advocates welcomed the report, urging the government to adopt the recommendations to address the under-reporting of Islamophobic incidents and to support community-led initiatives, especially those led by women.
The report was released amid calls from the Australian Greens for urgent government action to address structural and institutional Islamophobia, including an independent review of counter-terrorism laws and practices that disproportionately affect Muslim Australians.
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