Australian Muslims are reporting heightened fear and insecurity following a sharp increase in anti-Muslim incidents across the country, according to Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi.
Speaking publicly this week, Senator Faruqi said many in the Muslim community feel “under siege” after what advocacy groups describe as a significant escalation in Islamophobic behaviour.
In December, Islamophobia Register Australia recorded a 740 per cent spike in reports following the Bondi terror attack. An annual analysis covering 2023–24 documented the highest number of incidents since the register’s establishment. Reported cases included physical assaults, verbal abuse, threats and acts of vandalism.
Senator Faruqi, who is Muslim, said the recent rise in incidents has affected community confidence during Ramadan.
“We have seen racism and Muslim hate escalate over recent weeks,” she said. “The Muslim community is feeling under siege. People are scared and fearful.”
Her remarks follow reports that Lakemba Mosque in Sydney’s west received its third death-threat letter within weeks, including threats made on the eve of Ramadan. Police investigations are ongoing.
Earlier this week, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson made comments about Lakemba during a media interview, stating she did not feel safe in the suburb and expressing views about Islam that were widely criticised by community groups and political leaders.
Senator Faruqi described those comments as deeply offensive and said strong political leadership was needed to address racism. She also criticised what she described as an insufficiently robust response from the federal government.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese later addressed the issue, stating that there is “no place for violence or threats of violence” in Australia.
“It is outrageous that people going about commemorating their faith, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, are subject to intimidation,” Mr Albanese said.
He called for a reduction in political hostility and said individuals who issue threats should face the full force of the law.
Authorities continue to urge members of the public to report incidents of hate or threats to police.
The developments have intensified debate about social cohesion, political rhetoric and community safety at a time when Australia’s leaders are calling for unity.
