A long-awaited report by the special envoy to combat Islamophobia recommends a review of counter-terrorism laws and improved data collection on hate crimes. The report, released by Special Envoy Aftab Malik alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly, makes 54 recommendations to tackle Islamophobia and urges the government to confront it with the same urgency as other forms of discrimination.
Islamophobia in Australia has been persistent and at times denied or ignored, but the issue is not a lack of evidence but a lack of action, according to Malik. He cited incidents such as a fake bomb being left outside a Gold Coast mosque as consequences of leaving Islamophobia unaddressed.
The report calls for a commission of inquiry into Islamophobia, codes of conduct for all Members of Parliament related to Islamophobia, and mandatory training programs for all MPs and staff.
Albanese stated that the government will carefully consider the recommendations and continue to work closely with the special envoy. Aly, the first Muslim woman to be sworn into the federal cabinet, added that the report gave a voice to Muslims who have long endured acts of hatred.
Malik pledged to push the government to address the recommendations and ensure that momentum stays with the issue.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/sep/12/islamophobia-report-envoy-aftab-malik-hands-down-recommendations-to-albanese-government
