Labor Commits Nearly $42 Million to Protect Muslim Institutions in Anti-Islamophobia Campaign

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks during an official event at Sydney University in Sydney, Australia, on July 15, 2026. David Gray/AFP via Getty ImagesThe Albanese Labor government has accepted 35 of 54 recommendations put forward by Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia Aftab Malik.In the report, Muslim Australians require lasting change to combat discrimination.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said prejudice directed at Islam or Muslims had no home in Australia.‘’There is simply no place in Australia, or anywhere in the world, for Islamophobia and racial hatred,” he said in Sydney.“This is about practical action to keep communities safe and strengthen our social cohesion,” Albanese said, adding ”it’s clear that we need to do more.”The government will also support an education task force aimed at tackling Islamophobia in the community.There will also be targeted funding to bolster the safety of Muslim institutions, which includes $41.9 million across initiatives to improve security at Muslim faith-based places.The measures are set to build on extensive existing work across government to combat Islamophobia.A focused review will also occur of the Australian Curriculum to identify opportunities to strengthen understanding of all forms of hatred, including Islamophobia.The Australian Federal Police will also expand community liaison teams and create a communications portal to support Muslim communities facing Islamophobia.“Lasting change requires the government and Muslim communities to remain engaged, build trust, deepen understanding, and work towards common ground,” Malik said.He also said this was the start of the journey.“To tackle Islamophobia at its roots, we must address the challenging questions,” Malik said.“Muslim Australians should not be expected to bear the cost of that complexity indefinitely. Where the government has acted, I will support that progress.Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke added that Islamophobia remained ‘‘chronically under-reported’‘ and that it was ’‘debilitating.’’‘’We have seen a rise in Islamophobic attacks and abuse directed at Muslim Australians,” he said.“It is widespread. It is debilitating. And it is unacceptable.’’