NSW Gov
The Minns Labor Government has today announced $1 million in funding to help tackle Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate in NSW.
The grant, which is funded by the Premier's Department and Multicultural NSW, will support the Action Against Islamophobia initiative.
The initiative aims to provide support for people affected by Islamophobia. The Minns Labor Government's contribution will fund:
- a Report Islamophobia Support Line
- case management and support services for people impacted by Islamophobia
- advocacy and building awareness of how to report incidents
- community education, and training for police and other front-line services on how to respond to incidents.
This announcement comes as community organisations have reported an increase in Islamophobia in Australia in recent years.
This is despite waves of migration, including from Muslim communities, contributing immensely to the social fabric and growth of our state.
Research by the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute has found that negative attitudes toward Muslims have remained at concerningly high levels across the last 10 years, with a particular rise since 2024.
The Action Against Islamophobia program is run by the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) and aims to both combat Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate while supporting those who are subject to it.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"Naked racism and Islamophobia have no place in our state or our country and it is abhorrent that people perpetuate this sort of behaviour.
"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.
"We are proud to be partnering with the Australian National Imams Council to support those dealing with the trauma that Islamophobia causes.
"This program will play a critical role in providing support to those who have been affected by this hatred while also spreading awareness of the importance of rejecting racism in all its forms."
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
"NSW is one of the world's most successful multicultural success stories and we need to call out racism when we see it.
"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.
"Greater visibility and a broader understanding of this issue is extremely important - helping inform how we work towards eliminating this sort of bigotry."
Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) President Imam Shadi Alsuleiman said:
"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.
"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."
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