In March, the Islamic community in Liverpool was shaken by online threats of “Christchurch 2.0” at the Australian Islamic House in Edmondson Park. The mosque, which opened its doors only recently to the public just in time for Ramadan this year, caters to the growing Muslim community in south‑western Sydney.
Following the threat, a 16-year-old boy was arrested in Western Australia and charged with creating a false apprehension to the existence of threats or danger. New South Wales police advised of no ongoing threats to the community.
This heinous threat, made during the holy month of Ramadan, serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by rising and persistent Islamophobic rhetoric and actions in our community.
This is no isolated incident. The 5th Islamophobia in Australia report, found that there were 309 in-person Islamophobic attacks between January 2023 and December 2024. Ranging from verbal abuse and threats to physical assault, these attacks are primarily directed at women and girls.
The report highlights a 250 percent increase in in-person Islamophobic incidents. Half of those in-person incidents were reported in NSW, with our public spaces that should be safe for any members of the community—streets, workplaces, shopping centres, schools and public transport—identified as common hotspots for these cowardly incidents.
There has also been an increase in online threats, with 366 verified online cases documented in the reporting period. The psychological impacts of this on our Islamic community are concerning.
Victims of these incidents report experiencing trauma, anxiety and a heightened fear of public spaces. Some alter their daily routines, quit their jobs or avoid leaving their homes altogether.
Even more alarming is that 57 percent of the incidents covered in this report went completely unreported to the authorities. Many victims felt that reporting was pointless and would lead nowhere.
As we respond to repair the damage done to the fraying threads of our social cohesion, it has never been more important for us to stand against Islamophobia. Like any other form of hatred, Islamophobia is unacceptable and must be stamped out.
It is our duty, as leaders and as citizens, to foster a society where everyone, regardless of faith, background or beliefs, can feel safe and respected. We must not be passive in the face of hatred.
We must ensure that anti-discrimination laws are enforced, that social media platforms are held accountable for the content they host and that victims of Islamophobia have access to support and justice.
We must challenge harmful narratives wherever they arise and promote a culture of inclusion and understanding.
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia is not just a day of recognition; it is a call to action.
Let us heed that call and work together, whether in my community of Liverpool or across this great State, to create a future where Islamophobia and all forms of hatred have no place in our communities.
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