On Friday 23 January 2026, the Islamophobia Register of Australia released alarming new statistics. Following the 2 weeks after the tragic event of the Bondi terror attacks, Islamophobia has spiked by over 740% and it currently remains elevated at 453%.
These overwhelming figures showcase the current Islamophobic crisis occurring in Australia and also call for national action against Islamophobia.
Muslim communities, businesses, places of worship and innocent children are being targeted and vilified as a result of the heinous actions of two individuals. It is unfair to label an entire population as evil or inhumane because of the actions of certain individuals.
We see this clear double standard between Muslims and other religious groups. The entire Muslim community is targeted instead of the perpetrator. However when the perpetrator is from another religion only they are condemned and not their entire religious group. We see this time and time again.
Islamophobia is a serious and festering crisis. It’s an issue that the government should focus on addressing. Almost 1 million Muslims see Australia as their home and a safe place. However, with Islamophobia and hate crimes rising it instils fear and anxiety in many.
On Thursday 22 January, Lakemba mosque staff received a threatening letter containing death threats from a 70-year-old perpetrator. This is only one of the Islamophobic acts that occurred recently.
Other acts include the vandalism of the Brisbane mosque, a Muslim cemetery desecrated with pig heads, NSW’s mosques and Islamic centres spammed with hate calls and death threats. These are just some of the many dehumanising and violent acts committed against the Muslim community.
The Muslim community in Australia have voiced their concerns about their safety.
The special envoy to combat Islamophobia appointed by the Labour government, Mr Aftab Malik, presented a landmark report on the 12 September 2025, titled, “A National Response to Islamophobia: A Strategic Framework for Inclusion, Safety and Prosperity”.
In this, Mr Malik proposed 54 recommendations, aimed at tackling growing Islamophobia in Australia.
These proposals included legislative reform, inquiries, public safety and accountability. Over 4 months have passed since these recommendations were passed to the prime minister.
We are yet to hear any progress or implementation of the recommendations by the government. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned that he would “carefully consider” the recommendations and work closely with the special envoy to address Islamophobia.
It is imperative that the government takes swift action against the growing threat of Islamophobia and promotes social cohesion amongst all Australians.
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