Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia

Wishing you all Eid Adha Mubarak!

The Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, spoke at Gallipoli Mosque’s Community Festival on 16 May, 2026. He described multiculturalism as something we don’t simply tolerate, but as a source of creativity and resilience. He addressed how Islamophobia is not just a problem for Muslims, but for all who are concerned with dignity and justice.

What does belonging look like in Australia today?

Special Envoy Aftab Malik brought that question to life at Macquarie University's School of International Studies on 14 May.

Speaking on "Islamophobia Post-Bondi":

✦ Hate has no place in a democratic society.
✦ Moral courage means resisting exclusionary narratives.
✦ Every single human being is equally precious — and our laws, words, and institutions must reflect that.

This is the conversation Australia needs today.

The Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia (OSECI) is aware of the outrageous incident at Masjid Taqwa in Bald Hills, Queensland, where a man allegedly threatened worshippers during prayer and was reportedly claiming to have an AK-47 in his vehicle outside.

We acknowledge that Queensland Police have laid charges, including disturbing a place of worship. While this is an important step, the incident reflects broader concerns within Muslim communities about whether acts experienced as Islamophobic are consistently recognised and addressed as such.

Recent reforms in Queensland to strengthen protections for places of worship and remove barriers to prosecuting serious vilification offences are welcome steps forward.

OSECI will continue engaging with relevant authorities and advocating for responses that fully recognise and address Islamophobia in all its forms. We stand in solidarity with the Masjid Taqwa community and all those affected.

It was a privilege to meet Dr Melissa Derby, New Zealand's Race Relations Commissioner, and exchange insights on the shared work of countering prejudice and hatred.

I had the opportunity to walk through some of my recommendations and the thinking behind them, as well as preview a number of forthcoming projects and initiatives. In turn, hearing about the Commissioner's work offered perspectives I'll carry forward.

A genuinely mutual exchange — and a reminder of how much we gain when people doing this work find time to connect.

| On the day my formal recommendations to Government on combating Islamophobia were launched, I joined Richelle Harrison Plesse of SBS to talk about what real change looks like — and why it can't wait.

ISIS embodies a horrific failure of human compassion and mercy. They stand in stark opposition to the core values of Islam, representing twisted, inhumane violence rather than the belief of Muslims.

While governments have obligations towards their citizens, it is entirely understandable that many will feel alarm, concern and fear when confronted with the arrival of women and children linked to ISIS fighters, especially communities that have endured the brutal acts of ISIS cruelty.

We must uphold the rule of law. Let the legal processes proceed fully and fairly as these families arrive, with regard for due process and human rights.

Our compassion must focus on the vulnerable children who were born into unimaginable circumstances with risks of statelessness, while recognising their innocence and the long-term impact on their wellbeing.

While the returning women have placed themselves, their children, and the broader Muslim community in a deeply challenging position, we must ensure that Muslim communities are not unfairly targeted or dehumanised.

I urge the public to reject any response that legitimises hatred toward Muslim Australians.

We must uphold the safety of all communities while safeguarding the rights and welfare of children who are not responsible for the terrible choices and decisions of their parents.

Progress takes patience — and partnership.

Professor Pascale Quester - Vice-Chancellor, Swinburne University. I have been in discussions with the University and its Muslim Student Association, facilitating conversations to overcome some challenges they have both faced. I’m glad to say progress has been made, and both parties appear to be pleased with where they are at. After meeting the VC, I went on to meet members of the MSA, but forgot to take a picture (because I was taken aback at the sheer size of their student musalla).

Had a wide-ranging conversation today, with the President of the National Union of Students. Felix Hughes.

We spoke specifically about the anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia experienced recently at Monash University prayer space, and the wider concerns about Islamophobia.

Felix was keen to work with the Office to assist Muslim students who had experienced and are experiencing hatred and silencing on campus. He wants to work to ensure that everyone feels safe on campus and receive the support they need.

Bilal Hayek, the young and energetic Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown, is grounded, approachable, and deeply connected to his community. He also happens to be Muslim.

In today’s meeting, he highlighted the urgency of tackling all forms of hate, while acknowledging the sharp rise in Islamophobia across the country. We also discussed the impact of political rhetoric and stereotypes that demonise Muslims.

We’ve agreed to meet regularly and work together for the benefit of all communities.

EndHate