Australia Islamophobia policy and community response

In late July 2026 the Albanese government released its response to the special envoy Aftab Malik’s report on Islamophobia, adopting 35 of the 54 recommendations. The adopted measures include creating an Islamophobia education taskforce, expanding Australian Federal Police community liaison teams, establishing a Social Cohesion Consultative Board, and increasing funding for the Office for Multicultural Affairs. Settlement Services International welcomed the steps but warned that education alone would not eradicate structural racism and called for broader government action and an independent review of counter‑terrorism laws.

A few weeks later, in early August 2026, Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman, president of the Australian National Imams Council, told the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion that Islam‑related hate incidents had surged six‑fold since the December Bondi Beach attack. He urged the development of locally trained Australian‑born imams, announcing plans for an Islamic Institute of Higher Education and emphasizing the need for religious leadership that is integrated with Australian culture and language. The council pledged solidarity with the Jewish community and highlighted the urgency of addressing the spike in Islamophobia.

Together, the snapshots show a shift from governmental policy adoption to heightened community advocacy and training initiatives in response to a rapid increase in hate incidents.