The Premier of Queensland, David Crissafuli, has strongly condemned recent alleged threats against a Muslim school and a mosque, highlighting the growing “fear and anxiety” within the community.
Following a threatening email to The Islamic College of Brisbane and a purported bomb hoax at the Arundel Mosque on the Gold Coast, members of the Muslim community are experiencing heightened fear.
The Islamophobia Register Australia expresses deep concerns, pointing to a heightened state of “fear and anxiety” within the community due to the incidents.
Crissafuli mentioned that while most Queenslanders are tolerant and welcoming, there are those who harbor hatred and he called for the full force of the law against such individuals.
Nora Amath, co-executive director of the Islamophobia register, termed the threats as “an attack on the principles of safety, inclusivity, and respect” of Australia’s multicultural society.
Reports to the Islamophobia Register significantly increased following the October 7 attacks in Israel, with incidents relating to Palestinian symbols representing a quarter of all reported cases, according to their annual report.
The register calls for immediacy from the police and urges political leaders and the public to speak out against Islamophobia, racism, and xenophobia.
The Australian National Imams Council expressed deep concern over the incidents, and the Queensland Police Service reported the arrest of a 34-year-old man from Labrador in connection with the alleged bomb hoax and obstruction charges.
The alleged suspicious item at the mosque was deemed safe by the Explosive Ordinance Response Team, and the man is set to appear in court with bail remanded.
The spokesperson for the Queensland Police Service clarified that the message sent to the school posed no risk and did not appear to be religion or race-related.
The Islamic College of Brisbane, home to about 1,692 students, predominantly Muslim but also welcoming students of all religions and backgrounds, ensures a diverse and inclusive community.
