| AFIC Welcomes Islamophobia Envoy Report and Calls for Urgent Government Action |
** As the national peak body representing the Muslim community AFIC will
continue to advocate for the rights, safety, and inclusion of Muslim
Australians and will monitor closely the government’s response to this
report.
|
AFIC Welcomes Islamophobia Envoy Report and Calls for Urgent Government Action
14/09/2025
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) welcomes the release of the report by Australia’s Special Envoy for Islamophobia, Mr Aftab Malik, and supports the key findings and recommendations outlined within it.
The report offers a sobering confirmation of what Muslim communities across the country have long experienced, that Islamophobia is a deeply embedded, systemic issue that undermines the safety, dignity, and participation of Australian Muslims in public life. From hate speech and vilification to anti-Muslim bias in the media, the workplace, and broader public discourse, the harms are real, widespread, and urgent.
AFIC acknowledges the consultation process that informed the report, including the community feedback gathered across diverse Muslim communities nationwide. The recommendations reflect a necessary and timely step toward meaningful policy and legislative reforms that must no longer be delayed.
“This report must not become another symbolic gesture or talking point,” said AFIC President Dr Rateb Jneid. “It provides a clear roadmap for government action. We expect to see these recommendations implemented without delay, with urgency and seriousness equal to that given to any other form of racism or hate.”
AFIC particularly welcomes the report’s recommendations to:
• Strengthen legal protections against religious discrimination, including amendments to Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act
• Address anti-Palestinian racism and ensure consistent recognition and protection of all communities affected by racialised and dehumanising discourse
• Improve the treatment of hate crimes through independent oversight, not through expanded police powers or restrictions on civil liberties
• Develop a unified national anti-racism framework that applies consistently across sectors, including education, media, politics, and public institutions
These recommendations are grounded in the lived experiences of Muslims across Australia and provide a pathway for governments to begin repairing trust and upholding their responsibility to protect all citizens equally.
AFIC urges the federal government to commit to a clear implementation timeline and to adequately resource the necessary institutions and mechanisms required to bring these reforms to life. Anything less would be a betrayal of the communities who continue to carry the burden of Islamophobia in their daily lives.
As the national peak body representing the Muslim community AFIC will continue to advocate for the rights, safety, and inclusion of Muslim Australians and will monitor closely the government’s response to this report.
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AFIC, established in 1964, stands as the Peak Muslim Organisation in Australia, with 170 members including 9 State and Territory Councils. It has a rich history of pioneering numerous community services and actively advocating for the rights and representation of the Muslim community.
Authorised:
Dr Rateb Jneid, President |
