Negative Attitudes Toward Muslims in Australia Rise to 43%, Survey Warns of Growing Islamophobia
Negative Attitudes Toward Muslims in Australia Rise to 43%, Survey Warns of Growing Islamophobia
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A recent survey in Australia has revealed a significant increase in negative attitudes toward Muslims, with 43% of adults expressing unfavourable views in 2026. The findings have raised concerns about the spread of Islamophobia and its implications for religious and cultural coexistence across the country.
The organisation Action Against Islamophobia highlighted the findings of the Mapping Social Cohesion 2026 report, which documented a marked rise in negative attitudes toward Muslims over the past four years.
According to the survey, the proportion of respondents expressing negative views of Muslims increased from 29% in 2022 to 33% in 2024, before reaching 43% in 2026. This represents a 10-percentage-point rise over the past two years, the largest increase recorded among the groups examined in the survey.
Action Against Islamophobia stressed that the figures reflect more than statistical trends, pointing to serious challenges affecting Muslims’ sense of safety, respect and acceptance within Australian society. The organisation called for stronger efforts to combat religious discrimination and promote mutual respect and social cohesion.
The organisation also urged members of the Muslim community to strengthen unity and solidarity, noting that Muslims continue to contribute to various areas of public life despite the challenges they face.
It further encouraged people who experience or witness Islamophobic incidents to report them, emphasizing that documenting such cases is essential for monitoring religious discrimination and developing effective responses.
Action Against Islamophobia is an initiative of the Australian National Imams Council. It works to document incidents of anti-Muslim discrimination and raise public awareness of the dangers of Islamophobia, amid growing calls to protect religious diversity and uphold equality and coexistence in Australia.
