National Response to Islamophobia: A Strategic Framework for Inclusion, Safety and Prosperity. Report by Australia’s special envoy to combat Islamophobia

On 12 September 2025, Aftab Malik, Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, released his report entitled  National Response to Islamophobia: A Strategic Framework for Inclusion, Safety and Prosperity. The report has made a number of comments on the role of the media. A brief summary and comments by ABC Alumni chair, Michael Ward are provided below.

This is an important report that provides a comprehensive statement of the issues of concern and a roadmap for action that involves government, parliament, agencies and the community. It establishes the case for action and is characterised by a clear structure based on strong  research and analysis. It engages with prior public policy reviews and recommendations that a e relevant to the report’s terms of reference and call for action.

The way ahead is set out in the report’s recommendations, with a public policy process that seeks Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet ( DPMC) coordination, a parliamentary commission of inquiry, specific actions by a range of government agencies. The actions recommended include support for funding community organisations, and development of social cohesion through fields as diverse as sporting activities, social services support, foreign policy activity and a national day of solidarity and education on Islamophobia (proposed for15 March).

Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights

There is a call for a Joint Parliamentary commission of inquiry into Islamophobia, with Terms of Reference to examine existing policies within key government agencies (as identified in these recommendations) to identify and address any discriminatory practices. The inquiry should also examine the current extent of Islamophobia in Australia, including identifying the main drivers and causes of:

• anti-Muslim hate
• prejudice
• dehumanisation
• discrimination
• vilification
• racism

The report also calls on the parliament to inquire into the role of media reporting, documentaries, film, social media and political discourse in contributing to rising hostility towards Muslims. The recommendations call for funding “that encourage[s] diverse voices in media and arts, including Muslim filmmakers” (p.36).

The call to implement “recommendations made in the independent review of the Online Safety Act” (p. 28) is important in itself, but also demonstrate an engagement with previous work to address key aspects of its brief.

There is a focus on a strategic approach using “research, media and community education” to combat Islamophobia, including addressing media literacy issues and the role of the role of social media algorithms and platform dynamics in shaping and disseminating narratives about Muslim identities” (p. 36). The report also recommends that media organisations and workers, including journalists “promote narratives that foster understanding, respect and social cohesion” (p. 37).

The overarching approach is about the community working across numerous fronts, taking positive action, addressing hate and crimes, but focussing on positive action. It is to be hoped that the recommendations are taken up by the government and media organisations and government have the opportunity to develop proposals that address issues identified by the Special envoy.

Aftab Malik. (2025). National Response to Islamophobia: A Strategic Framework for Inclusion, Safety and Prosperity. Report by Australia’s special envoy to combat Islamophobia. The Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. September 2025.