Every Australian deserves to feel safe, respected and at home as they go about their day-to-day lives.

Islamophobia has no place in Australia. Yet, we have seen this evil grow and the number of hateful attacks continuing to steadily rise.

It is not the Australian way, it destroys the character of our nation as a country built on fairness, respect and a fair go. It must stop.

Today, we announce the Albanese Government’s response to the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia’s report – A National Response to Islamophobia.

The Albanese Government thanks Special Envoy Aftab Malik for his considered and thorough report and his long history and determined focus on eliminating Islamophobia in Australia.

Mr Malik has engaged widely across all Australian society and internationally, and his report is an important and long-lasting contribution.

The Australian Government is progressing a range of recommendations and will continue to work on the remaining recommendations alongside the Special Envoy and the Australian Muslim community.

The Government response has been guided by Special Envoy Malik’s key areas of focus – education and awareness, protection and support for victims, building social cohesion and accountability and responsibility.

In addressing these recommendations, the Government is strengthening Australia’s capacity to combat Islamophobia by:

• establishing an Islamophobia Education Taskforce to support national education and teacher training;
• developing training and guidance for parliamentarians, the Australian Public Service, law enforcement, justice and legal professionals;
• funding mental health and wellbeing supports for local organisations helping communities affected by hate and violence.
• supporting Muslim communities through new multicultural grants, with a focus on Muslim women and young Muslims; and
• creating a national information hub to improve understanding of Islamophobia;
• improving reporting, responses and community support to report Islamophobia through expanded AFP Community Liaison Teams and a new AFP Social Cohesion Team.

These new measures build on extensive existing work across government to combat Islamophobia, along with all forms of hatred.

The Government is making it a legal requirement for universities to prevent and respond to Islamophobia, the accelerated implementation of the hate crimes database, funding mental health and wellbeing support for students in Islamic schools and students of Islamic faith in government schools.

The Albanese Government has also created a framework for banning hate groups from operating in Australia. The legislation criminalises being a member, directing, recruiting or training with a prohibited group.

As with all forms of hatred and prejudice, eliminating Islamophobia is not the responsibility of the Muslim community alone.  

The Government’s full response to the Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Islamophobia is available at: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/reports-and-publications/reviews-and-inquiries/inquiries/.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“There is simply no place in Australia, or anywhere in the world, for Islamophobia and racial hatred.

“The fact we’ve seen a rise in Islamophobic incidents says all of us in civil society need to do more, and that’s what Mr Malik’s considered report will help guide.

“I thank Mr Malik for his recommendations and his important work which will continue to be referenced in the ongoing battle to eliminate hatred and violence targeted at Muslim communities all over Australia.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke:

“Every Australian, no matter where they’re from or who they worship, should be able to feel safe and at home anywhere in Australia without prejudice or discrimination.

“Islamophobia is real. It is widespread. It is debilitating. And it is unacceptable.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Dr Anne Aly:

“Islamophobia is harmful and causes lasting damage to individuals, communities and to the social fabric of our country.

“The Albanese Government will continue to do all we can to stamp out Islamophobia and all forms of hate, protecting our social cohesion and ensuring that all Australians can live peacefully and free from hatred, threats and fear.”

ANTHONY ALBANESE MP
PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA

TONY BURKE MP
MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP
MINISTER FOR CYBER SECURITY

DR ANNE ALY MP
MINISTER FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS