Australia Expands Measures to Combat Islamophobia

Australia Expands Measures to Combat Islamophobia
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The Australian government has adopted 35 of 54 recommendations proposed by Special Envoy on Islamophobia Aftab Malik to address rising anti-Muslim hatred, discrimination and racism.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the plan focuses on education, community protection, social cohesion and accountability. Measures include establishing an anti-Islamophobia taskforce, strengthening tolerance education in schools, creating an institute for Islamic studies, and providing A$41.9 million to improve security at mosques and Muslim places of worship.

The government also plans to enhance reporting of Islamophobic incidents through police liaison teams and expand support programs for Muslim women, youth, mental health and community dialogue.

Muslim organisations welcomed the initiative as an important step but said it does not go far enough, calling for stronger legal protections against religious discrimination, a review of counterterrorism laws and clearer accountability mechanisms.