A new government-commissioned report has revealed that Islamophobia in Australia has reached “unprecedented levels”, with anti-Muslim hate incidents soaring since late 2023. The findings paint a stark picture: public abuse, graffiti, harassment of children and women, much of it unreported until now. Authorities are now under pressure to act.
The special envoy to combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, presented the report and said incidents in person rose 150%, while those online rose about 250%, since October 7, 2023 — when the Hamas attack on Israel intensified global tensions. (Reuters)
Here’s what is happening, why it matters, and what can and must be done.
The what: Sharp rise in incidents and normalization of hate
Malik’s 60-page document, released in September 2025, lists 54 recommendations. It describes Islamophobia not as sporadic incidents, but as a tide that is becoming normalized. (Reuters)
Examples from the report:
- Muslim women and children being targeted, frequently for what they wear or how they pray, not what they do. (Reuters)
- Public graffiti, verbal abuse, and online attacks proliferate. Many go unreported. (Reuters)
The report connects the surge directly to global geopolitical events — in particular the war in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas attacks. (Reuters)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has acknowledged the seriousness. He said targeting people for their religious beliefs is a threat to “our core values.” (AP News)
Why it matters: Threats to social cohesion, democracy, and safety
Such a rapid rise in hatred has consequences beyond the immediate victims. It undermines trust; it divides communities; it gives breathing space to extremist views. Many Australians feel we are more fragmented now than we were five years ago. (Mckinnon)
Trust in key institutions remains relatively strong. But cracks are appearing. A large majority believe extreme political views—both on the left and right—pose a serious threat. (Mckinnon)
Threats and harassment of elected officials have also increased. According to AFP-data, threats to federal MPs rose from 709 in 2022-23 to 1009 in 2023-24. That is more than a 40% jump in one year. Over four years the increase is roughly 250%. (News.com.au)
The normalization of hate both online and offline also can radicalize individuals who see it as acceptable. It makes communities feel unsafe. Plus it puts pressure on law enforcement, education, health services — institutions already stretched.
What is being recommended — and what needs to happen
Malik’s 54 recommendations are broad. But several stand out as immediately actionable.
- Launch a wide-ranging inquiry into religion-based discrimination. Not just isolated cases. Discrimination in policy, in public life, and systemic bias. (Reuters)
- Review counterterrorism laws, ensuring they do not themselves discriminate or stigmatize religious communities. (AP News)
- Better capacity for reporting. Many victims of Islamophobia do not report incidents. Make avenues clear, safe, accessible.
- Strengthen hate crime laws. Make symbols, harassment, threats part of the legal record. Enforce penalties.
Barriers to progress: What is holding Australia back
Despite public awareness, Australia faces several hurdles.
- Underreporting. Many incidents are not reported. Fear, stigma, disbelief, and distrust of authorities are often to blame.
- Ambiguity in laws. Hate speech and discrimination laws are patchy. Enforcement differs between states and territories.
- Digital space challenges. Online abuse spreads fast. Platforms are global. Jurisdictional gaps make regulation slow and response uneven.
- Polarisation and political tension. The global conflict (e.g. Gaza-Israel war), and domestic debates (Voice referendum, immigration, etc.) feed societal division. Some political leaders have called out Islamophobia explicitly; others are less clear.
What organizations, leaders, and individuals can do now
For organisations:
- Audit their policies, staff training, and incident reporting. Ensure that Islamophobia is explicitly covered in anti-discrimination or harassment policies.
- Support Muslim employees with safe reporting, mental health support, and channels for feedback.
For government:
- Put in place a national framework so all states adhere to consistent definitions and laws regarding hate crimes.
- Fund independent oversight bodies to track and publicize data on Islamophobia regularly.
- Incorporate in school curricula education about religious diversity, respect, and the harms of hate speech.
For community leaders and civil society:
- Build coalitions: Muslim groups, human rights organizations, faith leaders, interfaith councils. Work together to raise awareness, counter misinformation.
- Support outreach programs into places and groups where Islamophobia is more common — rural areas, online communities.
For individuals:
- Report incidents. Even if small. If you witness abuse in public or online, speak up or support someone who does. Encourage friends to do the same.
- Be critical of what you see online. Question sources. Fact-check.
- Educate yourself about Islam. Understanding reduces fear.
Looking ahead: Risks if action is delayed, and possible outcomes
If action is delayed, the consequences could deepen.
- More members of Muslim communities may feel alienated. That weakens trust in institutions.
- Hate incidents may grow more violent.
- A divided society is less prepared to cooperate during crises: health, security, natural disasters.
But there is hope. This report creates a baseline. It gives concrete steps forward. If these are embraced, Australia could reset.
Australia has in the past turned the tide on discrimination: with Indigenous rights reforms, with laws against racism. This moment could mark another.
Conclusion
Australia’s surge in Islamophobia is real. It is serious. And it touches many parts of life: safety, belonging, democracy.
Yet, concrete change is possible. From government policy, law reform, community engagement, to everyday acts of civility.
It is not enough to condemn. It is time to act.
Sources: Independent report by Islamophobia special envoy Aftab Malik as of September 2025; Reuters, AP News; McKinnon Poll; AFP threat reports.
