Australia Faces Surging Islamophobia as PM Albanese Weighs Report Recommendations

An independent report presented to the Australian government by special envoy Aftab Malik reveals a dramatic surge in Islamophobia, with incidents increasing by 150% since the Hamas attacks in October 2023. The report details widespread anti-Muslim sentiment, often unreported, and calls for 54 recommendations including establishing a commission of inquiry, reviewing counter-terrorism laws for discriminatory effects, and mandatory religious sensitivity training for police and parliamentarians. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of addressing Islamophobia as an attack on Australia's core values and pledged to carefully consider the report's recommendations to ensure safety and social cohesion. The report also highlights the need for clearer legal protections for Muslims, including clarifying the Racial Discrimination Act to explicitly cover Muslims, and implementing zero-tolerance policies against racism in political and public spheres. Malik stressed that Islamophobia has long been ignored or denied and that this report represents a historic opportunity to confront it with urgency comparable to other forms of discrimination. Additionally, the government recognizes the importance of combating related antisemitism as part of a broader commitment to fighting all forms of hate and prejudice.