Following rising tensions in the Middle East, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed Aftab Malik as a special envoy to combat Islamophobia.
Malik will consult with Muslim leaders and experts to frame a national response against growing anti-Islamic sentiment, Mail Online reported.
This appointment comes two months after the government appointed Jillian Segal as an envoy to address anti-Semitism in response to a rise in incidents targeting Jewish Australians.
📚 Read Also: Meet First Muslim Federal Ministers in Australia’s History
Albanese noted that selecting an appropriate candidate for the role of special envoy against Islamophobia proved more challenging than the selection process for the anti-Semitism envoy.
Malik has worked for nearly ten years in the NSW Premier’s Department, advocating for policies aimed at countering anti-Islamic sentiment.
His experience will guide him as he consults with Muslim leaders and experts on religious discrimination to shape his approach.
“Fighting against hate in Australia is more important today than it has ever been,” Malik said.
“I don’t intend to use this role to advocate that one form of hatred is more important than another: both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are unacceptable.”
He emphasized the role individuals can play in creating inclusive communities.
“Each of us can play a part in ensuring that violence and hatred have no place in our communities. We do this by valuing the bonds between us, calling out discrimination, and being allies to those who experience it,” he added.
However, the decision to create special envoy roles addressing Islamophobia and anti-Semitism has sparked debate. Nasser Mashni, President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, expressed concerns that these roles may exacerbate community tensions. He argued that prioritizing the experiences of certain racialized groups could marginalize others.
“Anti-Palestinian racism is not about religion, but colonialism and the systemic oppression of Palestinians, whose lands have been stolen and illegally occupied,” Mashni said.
Malik’s three-year term will begin in mid-October, reporting directly to the prime minister and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
The government has invested $90 million in addressing the ongoing impacts of the Middle Eastern conflict on Australian communities.