The International Day to Combat Islamophobia was marked on 15 March, a date of profound significance for our nation and the global community. It serves as a solemn reminder of the horrific Christchurch massacre in 2019, when 51 innocent worshippers were murdered while gathered in peaceful prayer at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre in New Zealand. This heinous act of terror, perpetrated by an Australian, was a stark and painful wake-up call to the dangers of Islamophobia. The attack shattered lives and communities, sending shockwaves across Australia and New Zealand, and exposing the urgent need for governments, institutions and society to take meaningful action against religious hatred and discrimination. But beyond the horror it also highlighted the resilience of the Muslim community, which in the face of such a devastating loss responded with unity, strength and grace.
In the wake of immense tragedy, many memorial services and vigils were held across the world, including in my community. Local Islamic centres, schools and mosques opened their doors in a very public and gracious act to all to allow everyone to come together, share in their grief and break down barriers. What was not made public was the rise in Islamophobic incidents in the wake of Christchurch. I am aware of one such incident in my community where a pig's head was thrown over the fence and into the car park of a place of worship.
Distressingly, the spectre of Christchurch has recently reared its ugly head. Earlier this month the Australian Islamic House in Edmondson Park on the border of my electorate was threatened with a "Christchurch 2.0" attack. As this incident highlights, Islamophobia remains a persistent issue. Another example I regret to bring to the attention of the House is an ongoing targeted campaign of vilification and hatred against a local family in my electorate. They have been the victims of vulgar taunts outside their home and a series of anonymous letters addressed to "Mr and Mrs Hamas".
Consistent with this experience, Islamophobia Register Australia's Islamophobia in Australia Report reveals a troubling rise in incidents across the country. Between January 2023 and November 2024, 309 in‑person Islamophobic incidents were reported, more than 2.5 times the previous figures. Additionally, 366 verified online incidents mark a 250 per cent surge in digital hate speech. Nearly 75 per cent of victims were Muslim women and girls, facing verbal abuse, physical attacks and discrimination in public spaces, workplaces and schools. The report highlights the psychological toll, with 86 per cent of victims reporting distress and 92 per cent experiencing long‑term harm. Many now avoid public spaces for safety reasons, yet only 18 per cent of cases were reported to police due to fears of inaction or bias.
Islamophobia is not just an issue for those directly affected; it is a challenge to our collective values of fairness, justice and respect. An attack on one community is an attack on all of us, because a society that tolerates hate will never be truly free, truly safe or truly united. Groups like Islamophobia Register Australia and the Australian National Imams Council [ANIC], through its Action Against Islamophobia [AAI] initiative, stand with victims and communities, shedding light on the scale of the problem and the action needed to address it. ANIC's Action Against Islamophobia initiative is not just a name; it is a movement that empowers Muslims through education, awareness and the fight for a more just and inclusive society. AAI reminds us that Islamophobia is not just about words or actions; it takes a real toll on people's mental health. Its work in providing support, safe spaces and faith-based counselling is a call to action for all of us to push for lasting change.
I encourage every member of the New South Wales community, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, to stand together against Islamophobia, today and every day. I also encourage them to report incidents of Islamophobia to the authorities and to organisations like AAI and the Islamophobia Register. When incidents of Islamophobia are reported, they can be better identified and dealt with. It is not enough to keep our communities safe, welcoming and inclusive for all; we must also call out and reject acts of hatred. In the words of Surah Al-Hujurat inThe Quran, 49:13:
O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.
Our differences in race, nationality and status are not reasons for division but opportunities for understanding and unity—something that we would all do well to reflect upon.
