Aftab Malik Named Australia's Envoy to Fight Islamophobia

The Albanese government has finally named British-Australian academic Aftab Malik as the special envoy to combat Islamophobia in Australia, after several months of delays and speculation. 

The appointment was part of a broader initiative first announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in early July, in which the government committed to establishing two envoys: one to address antisemitism, and another to focus on Islamophobia, as violence in Gaza and rising tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict reignited concerns about religious discrimination. 

There were reports in the media that the delay stemmed from several individuals turning down the role. On Monday, the government finally confirmed that Malik would take the role. His appointment was welcomed by many in the Muslim community, with some calling it a "long-overdue step." 

Mr. Malik was born in Britain to Pakistani parents and moved to Australia in 2012 after being invited by the Lebanese Muslim Association to serve as a scholar in residence, where he taught and mentored young Muslims in Sydney's western suburbs, focusing on countering violent extremism (CVE). 

Malik brings significant experience to his new role as Australia’s special envoy to combat Islamophobia.  Malik has also served as executive director of the Zaytuna Institute in Berkeley, California, and is recognized by the UN’s Alliance of Civilizations as a global expert on Muslim affairs. 

His three-year term begins on 14 October, reporting directly to the prime minister and minister for home affairs. In a statement, Mr. Malik expressed his eagerness to collaborate with his counterpart, Ms. Segal, "to bring our communities together on a common ground." 

Malik said in a statement, "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.” 

The appointment of Malik as Australia’s special envoy to combat Islamophobia has sparked mixed reactions within the Muslim community. Some individuals express concern over his background, questioning why a British-born Muslim, who was not present during pivotal events like 9/11 and the Cronulla riots, has been selected for this crucial role. 

The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network condemned the government for establishing a “hierarchy of racism” by focusing on anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. President Nasser Mashni stated that these appointments could potentially exacerbate community tensions rather than alleviate them. 

Prominent community leader Hanan Dover voiced her objections on Facebook, arguing that Malik should not represent the fight against Islamophobia, citing his close ties to the government’s agenda. 

Conversely, others have welcomed the announcement. Dr. Nora Amath, executive director of the Islamophobia Register, commended the creation of the position. 

“We firmly hope that the establishment of this new position will serve as a crucial platform for addressing the distinct challenges faced by Muslim communities in Australia and for tackling the key drivers underpinning Islamophobia.” 

Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that his appointment would enhance the $90 million in initiatives already funded by the government to address the ongoing effects of the Hamas-Israel conflict in Australia. 

Burke added, "Bigotry is always wrong. You should be able to live safely and freely in Australia, regardless of who you are or what you believe." 

As of the 2021 Census, approximately 813,392 Muslims live in Australia, constituting about 3.2% of the total population5. This marks a significant increase from previous years, reflecting the growing diversity within Australia's religious landscape.