Answer
Wa `alaykum as-Salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
A Muslim should not sit on a table on which alcohol—or haram drinks for foods—is consumed. It is recommended not to hurt people’s feelings (e.g., by refusing their invitations) even if they are non-Muslims.
First of all, let us thank Allah Almighty that Muslims in Australia can freely practice their religious duties with all the facilities you have mentioned. May Allah the Exalted grant you, and Muslims all over the world, ease in applying the Shari`ah and practising their religion.
Second, let us state that Muslims are ordained not to consume the unlawful (haram) foods and drinks such as alcohol, pork, ham, etc.
Moreover, Muslims in the Muslim-minority societies are highly encouraged to participate in the social activities and to be as active and influential as they can provided that they stick to the rulings of the Shari`ah. Allah Almighty says in the Qur’an, “Allah does not forbid you respecting those who have not made war against you on account of (your) religion, and have not driven you forth from your homes, that you show them kindness and deal with them justly; surely Allah loves the doers of justice.” (Al-Mumtahanah 60:8)
As for the occasions where unlawful (haram) foods and drinks are served, there nothing wrong in participating in these occasions, as long as Muslims don’t eat or drink any of them. Also, a Muslim should not sit on a table on which alcohol—or haram drinks for foods—is consumed.
It is recommended in Islam not to hurt people’s feelings (e.g., by refusing their invitations) even if they are non-Muslims. Also, it may be a good chance through these occasions to show people the true Islamic morals and values.
So, we advise Muslims who are invited to such occasions to attend them with this intention in order to show good practice of their religious duties.
Moreover, Muslims, in such communities, can create a common style for themselves; that is to say: they don’t drink alcohol and do not eat ham or pork. With the time passing, it would be recognized by most people that Muslims have a unique style in foods and drinks. So, if anyone wishes to invite some Muslims to such occasions, they would prepare special (halal) foods and drinks for them. This way, Muslims will follow the rulings of the Shari`ah and make good relations with the members of their community.
Allah Almighty knows best.