The home affairs minister, Tony Burke, was forced to leave a Muslim prayer event in western Sydney due to security concerns after protesters turned up to express their unwelcomeness. The protesters had planned to heckle and interrupt Burke when he was scheduled to address the congregation at the nightly Ramadan prayers at the Australia National Sports Club in Lakemba on March 21. Burke arrived before the prayers started and greeted several members of the congregation but was soon taken to a private room. He left the venue before the prayers were over without addressing the congregation due to safety concerns after WhatsApp messages were circulated urging people to come and protest his presence. Many members of the Muslim community have expressed anger at the Albanese government’s response to the wars in Gaza and Lebanon following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Organizers confirmed that Burke decided to leave due to safety concerns.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/28/tony-burke-cancels-lakemba-mosque-speech-safety-concerns-western-sydney-ntwnfb