Minns Government Dedicates $1M To Tackle Islamophobia
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The Minns government has today announced a grant of $1 million to tackle Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate in New South Wales.
Funded by the Premier’s Department and Multicultural NSW, the Action Against Islamophobia initiative will provide a support hotline for those subjected to Islamophobia, as well as case management and support services for victims.
Funding will also be used to build awareness around ways to report hate crimes, and community education and training for police and other frontline workers.
The Premier said the program would play a critical role in providing support to those affected by racial hatred.
The grant comes after an estimated 250,000-300,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in support of Palestine, despite efforts from Minns to shut the action down on the grounds of safety.
“Naked racism and Islamophobia have no place in our state or our country and it is abhorrent that people perpetuate this sort of behaviour,” he said.
“Anecdotal evidence presented to me indicates that Islamophobia is far higher than what is reported, we don’t want Australians suffering in silence or enduring racism without help or support.”
Significant rise in Islamophobia since October 7
Since 7 October 2023, the Islamophobia Register has recorded an increase of more than 530 per cent in Islamophobic incidents, with more than 1,500 cases reported, many of which relate to the expression of solidarity with Palestinian civilians.
These include workplace complaints and suspension threats, disinvitations from speaking engagements, and investigations into pro-Palestinian social media posts.
The Register also noted instances of anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia being seemingly dismissed prematurely by law enforcement or inadequately addressed.
“This rise in anti-Muslim hate has left many Muslims anxious about engaging in their daily religious activities, such as praying in mosques or leaving the house wearing the hijab,” Imam Shadi Alsuleiman, President of the Australian National Imams Council, which will administer the grant.
“Islamophobia manifests itself in the community in several different ways, and we’ve seen an increase in micro aggressions that are often brushed off as ignorance or rude behaviour.
“Understanding how Muslims experience Islamophobia will help guide our approach to combatting the issue on a holistic level.”
The grant comes more than five months after similar efforts were dedicated to tackling antisemitism in the state, with the Minns government passing controversial new hate speech and anti-protest laws, including the creation of an offence to block access to a place of worship without reasonable excuse.
“To safeguard our vibrant multiculturalism, we must ensure we’re putting the plans in place to stamp out hatred, like that faced by our Muslim community,” said Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper.
“Greater visibility and a broader understanding of this issue is extremely important – helping inform how we work towards eliminating this sort of bigotry.”
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