Racist, Islamophobic Banners Spark Outrage During Australia’s Federal Election
Australian authorities have launched an investigation after Islamophobic and racist banners were displayed on Melbourne overpasses during the country’s federal election on Saturday, Anadolu Agency reported.
Victoria Police confirmed they are probing the incident, which involved masked individuals holding signs reading “No black votes should count,” “No Muslim votes should count,” and “Only Aussie votes should count” along the Monash Freeway.
The offensive displays drew widespread condemnation, with Muslim community leaders calling the act “disturbing and harmful,” particularly for young Australians who witnessed the slogans.
Despite the incident, Muslim advocacy group Muslim Votes Matter highlighted the community’s strong civic engagement during the election. National spokesman Ghaith Krayem praised efforts to mobilize first-time voters, saying, “We’ve raised awareness, strengthened civic knowledge, and shown that Muslims can shape Australia’s political conversation.”
Millions of Australians cast ballots in Saturday’s pivotal election, selecting 150 members of the House of Representatives. While the banners marred the democratic process, community leaders emphasized resilience, noting increased Muslim voter participation as a counter to divisive rhetoric.
Police have yet to identify the perpetrators but reiterated a commitment to addressing hate-motivated acts.
It should be mentioned that Anthony Albanese has been re-elected as Australian prime minister, in a landslide victory for the centre-left Labor party.
