BREAKING: Muslim Australians are urgently calling for government action against escalating Islamophobia as bomb threats to mosques and schools intensify. In a landmark report released on November 3, 2023, special envoy Aftab Malik outlined over 50 recommendations aimed at combating prejudice and fostering a safer environment for all Australians.
The report’s release follows alarming incidents, including a bomb hoax at a Gold Coast mosque and a threat that led to the evacuation of hundreds from an Islamic school in Brisbane. These events have heightened fears within the Muslim community, prompting many to demand that the government not only acknowledge the crisis but also implement real solutions.
Nora Amath, the executive director of the Islamophobia Register, stated, “For the very first time, we’re seeing back-to-back physical assaults and bomb threats,” highlighting the urgent need for government intervention. The rise in Islamophobic incidents has been staggering, with reports showing a 150% increase since 2023.
The report calls for significant actions, such as enacting federal religious freedom laws and updating existing discrimination legislation, to create a more inclusive society. However, some advocates argue that merely establishing envoy roles is insufficient. The Australian Palestinian Advocacy Network has criticized the government’s narrow focus on Islamophobia, pointing out the interconnectedness of anti-Palestinian racism and broader discrimination issues. Executive member Lama Alqasem stated, “The refusal itself is a form of racism because it denies Palestinians recognition, safety, and justice.”
Dr. Amath emphasized the compounded fear experienced by Muslim women, especially when in public or with other women. She noted that misrepresentations of Muslim women contribute to their vulnerability as easy targets. The report reveals that women and girls represent 75% of all Islamophobia victims, underscoring an urgent need for targeted protections.
The Australian National Imams Council expressed that the report strengthens the case for necessary religious protections, urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to take the findings seriously. Bilal Rauf, senior advisor to the council, stated, “It’s not just lip service,” stressing the importance of action over rhetoric.
The Australian Muslim Advocacy Network, while welcoming the recommendations, remains critical of the government’s approach. They advocate for serious treatment of hate crimes without expanding police powers or infringing upon free speech. They have applauded the recommendation for independent scrutiny panels to enhance hate crime policing, reinforcing that “all communities deserve equal protection from hate.”
As concerns grow over rising anti-migrant sentiment and violence against Muslims, the government faces immense pressure to act decisively. With threats to safety and growing fear among the Muslim community, the time for action is now.
UP NEXT: Watch for government responses to the report and potential legislative changes in the coming weeks. The Australian public’s attention is now firmly on whether meaningful actions will follow these urgent calls for change.
