Nadine Osman
Australia’s leading Muslim organisations have welcomed the Albanese government’s long-awaited response to the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia’s landmark report, describing it as an “important step in the right direction” while warning that meaningful action is now needed to tackle anti-Muslim hatred.
The federal government on July 18 released its response to Special Envoy Aftab Malik’s report, accepting several of the report’s 54 recommendations aimed at addressing Islamophobia while rejecting several significant proposals.
Among the recommendations not adopted were calls to overhaul Australia’s counter-terrorism laws and establish a commission of inquiry into anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racism.
Instead, the government announced a package of measures including the creation of an Islamophobia Education Taskforce, an expansion of Australian Federal Police community liaison teams, and additional mental health support for Muslim communities.
It also pledged to review the national curriculum to strengthen education on racial and religious tolerance and introduce new multicultural grant programmes.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said some recommendations had been accepted in full, while others required further consideration. He added that the government would continue to rely on national security advice when considering changes to Australia’s counter-terrorism framework.
In a joint statement, the Alliance of Australian Muslims (AAM) and the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) described the government’s response as an “unprecedented and important step in the right direction” towards recognising and addressing the serious impact of Islamophobia across Australia.
“This is an unprecedented and important step in the right direction towards recognising and addressing the serious impact of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate in Australia,” the organisations said.
However, they stressed that the announcement must now be followed by concrete reforms.
“While this response is welcome, much more remains to be done,” they said.
“It must be followed by meaningful and timely action, supported by clear commitments, appropriate resources and strong accountability.”
The organisations said lasting progress would require practical reforms across government policy, education, legislation, community safety and public institutions to ensure Australian Muslims experience genuine improvements in their safety, protection and inclusion.
They also pledged to work constructively with the federal government and the Office of the Special Envoy to advance recommendations that have yet to receive a formal response.
Warning that Islamophobia remains deeply embedded in Australian society, AAM and ANIC said many Muslims continue to live with discrimination, abuse, threats and, in some cases, physical violence.
“For far too long, Australian Muslims have lived with fear, discrimination, abuse, threats and, in some cases, physical attacks,” the statement said.
The organisations said Muslim women, particularly those who visibly express their faith, remain especially vulnerable to harassment and intimidation in public, while many families are increasingly concerned about the safety of their children.
They added that mosques, Islamic schools and community organisations continue to face threats and hostility.
“No Australian should feel unsafe or unwelcome because of their faith,” they said.
The groups emphasised that the success of the government’s response would ultimately be measured by its implementation, urging ministers to deliver on the commitments they have made.
They also praised Special Envoy Aftab Malik for ensuring the experiences and concerns of Muslim communities were brought directly to government.
“We recognise and commend the significant work of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Mr Aftab Malik,” the statement said.
“His engagement with Muslim communities, and his efforts to bring their experiences, concerns and recommendations to the attention of the Government, have been deeply valued.”
The organisations reaffirmed their support for Malik’s ongoing work and said they looked forward to collaborating with him as the remaining recommendations are considered.
They concluded by stressing that tackling Islamophobia cannot be left to government alone, calling on politicians, educators, media organisations, faith leaders and the wider public to challenge anti-Muslim prejudice and help foster a more inclusive society.
“Government, political leaders, educators, media organisations, faith communities, civil society, and every Australian all have a role to play in rejecting hatred, challenging harmful stereotypes, and fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging.”
Feature photo: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Muslim groups welcomed the government’s response to the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia’s report but called for further action to tackle anti-Muslim discrimination. (Credit: Australian Government)
