Islamophobia in Australia: A Normalised Threat Impacting Social Cohesion

Islamophobia has increasingly become normalised and remains underreported across Australia, with Muslims frequently facing discrimination, hatred, and violence in their everyday lives, according to Aftab Malik, Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. Malik, appointed to the role in October last year, described these incidents as “endemic” and deeply entrenched in Australian society.

The Growing “Ordinariness” of Islamophobia

Malik highlighted how pervasive Islamophobia has become, stating:

“My consultations revealed a society where acts of Islamophobia—be it humiliation, violence, or blatant discrimination—have sadly become part of the daily fabric. These incidents occur in the most ordinary of settings, from shopping centres and beaches to public transport, schools, and even neighbourhoods. The normalisation of this hostility was particularly striking to me,” he explained.

The Islamophobia Register Australia reports a staggering increase in Islamophobic incidents—over 600%—since October 2023, when the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza began. Established in 2014, the register serves as a platform for reporting and analysing Islamophobic incidents.

Since October, the register has recorded 932 incidents of Islamophobia, surpassing the total documented over the previous eight years. Malik expressed concern that many more cases remain unreported as victims feel it is futile to come forward.

“In my discussions, a significant number of people shared their stories of experiencing Islamophobia but admitted they didn’t report them. This highlights how deeply normalised these acts have become,” he said.

The Impact of the Israeli War on Gaza

The escalation of violence in Gaza, marked by relentless targeting of civilians and infrastructure, has amplified Islamophobic sentiment worldwide. In Australia, anti-Muslim hostility has surged in tandem with pro-Palestinian advocacy, underscoring the need to differentiate between advocating against colonial Zionism and perpetuating discriminatory narratives.

Malik stressed the importance of addressing these issues holistically, saying, “The focus must remain on combating bigotry in all forms while ensuring that advocacy for justice in Palestine is not conflated with hate speech.”

Challenges in Raising Awareness About Islamophobia

One of the greatest challenges, Malik noted, is the lack of societal awareness and visceral response to Islamophobia compared to other forms of discrimination. He said, “Islamophobic incidents often lack the immediate and strong condemnation seen with other hate crimes. The normalisation of Islamophobia makes it harder for society to recognise its severity.”

He pointed out that such normalisation results in underreporting and a lack of collective action against it, further perpetuating the cycle of discrimination.

Political Responses and Calls for Change

The Australian government’s appointment of Aftab Malik as the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia was seen as a significant step toward addressing these issues. Malik emphasised that fighting Islamophobia requires a societal effort, stating, “This is not just a Muslim issue. Islamophobia undermines social cohesion, creates exclusion, and fosters division, which weakens society as a whole.”

In December, political discourse surrounding Islamophobia stirred controversy when a senator dismissed its prevalence as “fictitious.” While he later clarified his remarks, such statements reflect broader challenges in gaining political recognition of the issue. Malik responded diplomatically, emphasising the need for constructive dialogue to address ignorance and denial about Islamophobia.

Advocacy for Palestinian Rights and Free Speech

Recent debates surrounding pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Australia have highlighted the tension between freedom of expression and societal fears. While some have sought to restrict demonstrations, claiming they may intimidate certain communities, Malik firmly upheld the right to peaceful protest.

“Protesting peacefully is a fundamental right, and as long as it is done legally and respectfully, it should not be curtailed,” Malik said. He cautioned against measures that might undermine this right, as advocacy for Palestinian justice remains a key issue for many Australians, particularly within the Muslim community.

The Way Forward

Malik stressed that combating Islamophobia is an immense undertaking requiring collective action:

“It is a societal issue, not just a Muslim one. Islamophobia spreads hate, fear, and division. Addressing it requires a unified approach that promotes resilience, inclusion, and understanding.”

He called for greater collaboration between government, civil society, and grassroots organisations to address this rising tide of discrimination and to ensure that advocacy for justice remains distinct from hate-driven narratives.