Australian Muslim Groups Urge Greater Funding to Combat Islamophobia

Australian Muslim Groups Urge Greater Funding to Combat Islamophobia
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Muslim organizations in Australia have called on the federal government to provide stronger funding and broader action to address Islamophobia, saying the government’s response to a national review of anti-Muslim hate does not go far enough.

The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC), the country’s peak Muslim representative body, welcomed the government’s decision to implement 35 of the 54 recommendations made by Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia Aftab Malik. However, the group said more details were needed on how the remaining recommendations would be addressed.

AFIC said the government’s response included limited new measures and expansions of existing programs, rather than a comprehensive strategy to tackle rising anti-Muslim discrimination.

The federation’s president, Rateb Jneid, criticized the lack of progress on key recommendations, including an independent review of counter-terrorism laws and the establishment of a commission of inquiry into Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism and anti-Arab racism.

The government has committed to reviewing the national school curriculum to identify ways to strengthen education about different forms of hatred and discrimination.

Muslim advocates said further action, dedicated resources and clear timelines are needed to effectively address Islamophobia and improve social cohesion across Australia.