An independent government-commissioned report has warned that Islamophobia in Australia has reached “unprecedented levels,” with abuse and hate crimes against Muslims now widespread and often unreported.
The review, led by Special Envoy Aftab Malik, found that Muslim women and children are among the most frequent targets of harassment, including verbal attacks and discriminatory graffiti. Malik said Islamophobia has long been “persistent, at times ignored and other times denied, but never fully addressed.”
The 60-page report outlines 54 recommendations to the government, ranging from launching a national inquiry into religious discrimination to examining how hatred undermines democracy and social cohesion.
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The findings link the surge to the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, with data showing a 150% rise in anti-Muslim incidents by November 2024. Malik warned that unchecked Islamophobia risks dividing communities and weakening trust in institutions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who received the report on Friday, said he would “carefully consider” its recommendations. “Australians should be able to feel safe at home in any community,” he said, urging the country to “stamp out hate, fear, and prejudice.”
The report follows a separate study on antisemitism released in July, which recommended stronger protections for Jewish students and measures against extremist ideologies. Together, the two reviews underscore growing concerns about religious intolerance in Australia.
