"Australia Must ‘Stamp Out’ Islamophobia,” Says PM Anthony Albanese
Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2025 1:49 pm
Surge in Islamophobia Demands Urgent Action
On September 12, 2025, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for decisive government action to confront escalating Islamophobia, stating that the nation must urgently
Commissioned by the government, Aftab Malik, the special envoy to combat Islamophobia, presented an independent report highlighting a dramatic surge in anti Muslim hostility. Since Israel Hamas hostilities began in October 2023, in person Islamophobic incidents rose by 150%, while online hate jumped 250%. Many incidents remain unreported, suggesting that the real scale is even higher.
The report describes widespread harassment—ranging from verbal abuse and graffiti to threats against Muslim women and children—often occurring without legal recourse or public awareness.
Key Recommendations from the Envoy
Malik’s 60 page report includes 54 recommendations aimed at a whole of government response:
Recognize International Day to Combat Islamophobia on March 15.
Improve security funding for mosques, schools, and community centres.
Develop an AntiRacism and Inclusivity Framework in education.
Review counterterrorism laws and discrimination reporting processes.
Mandate Islamophobia training for MPs and ensure accurate data collection on hate incidents.
Government Response and Political Reactions
Prime Minister Albanese affirmed that the government will “carefully consider” the envoy's recommendations, while cautioning that any proposed reforms—such as religious discrimination legislation—will require bipartisan support.
Opposition and civil society figures, including Usman Khawaja, called for stronger leadership, urging the government to match words with concrete legislative and policy measures.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly and Muslim organizations welcomed the report, emphasizing the urgent need for implementation of its proposals.
Why This Matters
Normalizing prejudice: Islamophobia has become systemic and socially encrypted—often ignored or trivialized.
Threat to values: Discrimination against Muslims undermines Australia’s core values of fairness, respect and social unity.
Need for action: With growing incidents and minimal reporting, experts stress the importance of legislative safeguards, education, and monitoring.
On September 12, 2025, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for decisive government action to confront escalating Islamophobia, stating that the nation must urgently
Rise in Anti Muslim Incidents“stamp out the hate, fear and prejudice that drives Islamophobia and division in our society.”
Commissioned by the government, Aftab Malik, the special envoy to combat Islamophobia, presented an independent report highlighting a dramatic surge in anti Muslim hostility. Since Israel Hamas hostilities began in October 2023, in person Islamophobic incidents rose by 150%, while online hate jumped 250%. Many incidents remain unreported, suggesting that the real scale is even higher.
The report describes widespread harassment—ranging from verbal abuse and graffiti to threats against Muslim women and children—often occurring without legal recourse or public awareness.
Key Recommendations from the Envoy
Malik’s 60 page report includes 54 recommendations aimed at a whole of government response:
Recognize International Day to Combat Islamophobia on March 15.
Improve security funding for mosques, schools, and community centres.
Develop an AntiRacism and Inclusivity Framework in education.
Review counterterrorism laws and discrimination reporting processes.
Mandate Islamophobia training for MPs and ensure accurate data collection on hate incidents.
Government Response and Political Reactions
Prime Minister Albanese affirmed that the government will “carefully consider” the envoy's recommendations, while cautioning that any proposed reforms—such as religious discrimination legislation—will require bipartisan support.
Opposition and civil society figures, including Usman Khawaja, called for stronger leadership, urging the government to match words with concrete legislative and policy measures.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly and Muslim organizations welcomed the report, emphasizing the urgent need for implementation of its proposals.
Why This Matters
Normalizing prejudice: Islamophobia has become systemic and socially encrypted—often ignored or trivialized.
Threat to values: Discrimination against Muslims undermines Australia’s core values of fairness, respect and social unity.
Need for action: With growing incidents and minimal reporting, experts stress the importance of legislative safeguards, education, and monitoring.