11 May 2026

The Australian Government and the Future Fund are doubling down as DeepCut News reports that Australia’s sovereign wealth fund drastically increased its investments in arms, tech and banking companies contributing to the Gaza genocide in 2025.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher and Future Fund chair Greg Combet are all implicated, as is the Prime Minister, who could make it clear that Australia will not profit from human suffering, but refuses to do so.

In a brief statement, a Future Fund spokesperson said: “Exclusions to the investment portfolio are reviewed on a regular basis and updated in line with recommendations from independent research providers.”

Why is the Albanese Government not using its power to compel Australia’s Future Fund to stop Australia profiting from serious violations of international law?

Why is the Albanese Government, on one hand, saying illegal Israeli settlements are an obstacle to peace, but then allowing Australia’s Future Fund to profit from their expansion?

A spokesperson for AMAN said, “Australians are being told that Australia is facing the risk of extreme politics based on racism, but what is more racist than profiteering from genocide and ethnic cleansing?”

“Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza, is violently expanding its settlement of occupied Palestinian land, and is now in Lebanon. Apparently, those lives do not matter to the Albanese Government.”

ENDS

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The fallout in the country is likely bolstering ONP support so it is a shocking cynical play that Hanson herself is pushing for Australia to increase its military commitments to the war, which will prolong the cost-of-living crisis. You can’t simultaneously support a war and complain about the direct consequences at the same time, unless you’re suggesting it’s a worthwhile cost to bear.

It is misleading for the Prime Minister not to explain the impact of increasing military contributions to the US and Israel war effort, as the Defence Minister confirmed yesterday (with details to be “worked through”).

After the US and Israel’s illegal attack on Iran, Iran has been mainly blocking fuel to countries that are contributing to US and Israel’s war effort, a fact repeatedly hidden by the Albanese Government. Yesterday, the Prime Minister criticised Iran’s actions as illegal, but continues to say it’s up to the US and Israel to determine whether their own actions are illegal.

Yesterday, Defence Minister Richard Marles denied his government was hiding the extent of the fuel crisis from the Australian people.

Our communities deserve safety, accountability and truth – a foundation strong enough to hold us, not harm us.

But the major parties and One Nation Party are upholding a US war machine designed to protect US weapons companies before our people.

Families are demanding that Australia pull back its contributions to the US/Israeli war to protect them from a cost-of-living crisis here and protect the millions of people whose lives are under threat from US/Israeli bombs.

It will likely already take generations to recover from the disproportionate killing of children and strikes on homes and civilian infrastructure.

There are 15000 Australians in Lebanon while Israel continues a plan to bomb and take over the land.

Honesty is how we build systems our people can trust and move toward a future where our communities are safe, supported and able to live long, healthy lives.

ENDS.

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The Prime Minister must fully answer for the safety of 900 Australians who are reportedly embedded throughout the US military in operational roles at all levels, as well as the civilians bombed in this illegal war.

Yesterday, the PM confirmed that three Royal Australian Navy personnel were on board a US submarine that sank an Iranian warship earlier this week.

In response, we heard from the PM that “no Australian personnel have participated in any offensive action against Iran.”

The PM has skirted the question of his obligations towards their safety and the safety of targeted civilians by discussing offensive actions rather than operations.

It contradicts a wealth of evidence put on the record by the Australian defence minister about the extensive and critical role of Australian personnel within US forces, including in leadership roles and at the Pentagon.

In the attached background, we provide evidence from Australian defence, information on the legal risk, and specific questions that require answers.

Ends.

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AMAN condemns the Albanese Government’s cancellation of community funding on the basis of ‘social cohesion concerns.’

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly and the local Labor MP, Julian Hill, announced last night that the Government would renege on a major election commitment to the Shia community in that electorate for a community centre, citing ‘social cohesion’ concerns.

This follows a raft of commentary from Labor leaders demonising Shia Muslims who are mourning the illegal assassination of Khamenei.

Weaponisation of grief for political purposes

Just weeks ago, we were told that inviting Israel’s President to Australia after the Bondi mass shooting was justified because it would be a comfort for grieving Jewish Australians, even though the UN Commission of Inquiry found he incited genocide against Palestinians.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns, told the community to “remain respectful”. We were told we should separate the “head of state” from the actions of the government he represents.

Our National political leaders weaponised the grief of the Jewish community to justify an invitation to Herzog.

Now Albanese, Minns, and other federal cabinet ministers weaponise the grief of the Shia Muslim community for a different political purpose: to reinforce foreign and defence policy and lessen the intense scrutiny they are currently facing for supporting an illegal war.

No ‘calm and measured’ government

According to our Defence Minister, 900 Australian defence personnel are embedded in the US military, and we continue to supply arms and intelligence to the US, so the absence of any red lines is legitimate grounds for scrutiny. The government’s position that they have enough evidence to support the US and Israel’s actions, but not enough evidence to say if it’s illegal, is embarrassing.

Their attempt to deflect attention by cancelling funds, demonising a community who have committed no crime, is evidence of impulsive and unprincipled governance.

The fact that any funding can be cancelled over ‘social cohesion’ concerns without any procedural fairness raises questions about the funding for Zionism and Israel-related activities (like the implementation of the Antisemitism envoy’s report), as well as Hindu activities that engage in the burning of effigies that cause deep harm and humiliation to caste-oppressed and Muslim groups by revering past atrocities and tragedies.

The government brushes away those concerns. So, what criteria are being used for ‘social cohesion concerns’, and will it be applied universally? This is not ‘calm and measured’ government as the Albanese Government claims to be.

ENDS.

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AMAN has referred an article by Chris Merritt published in The Australian, titled “Islamic bodies seek to abolish hate speech laws yet jail those who criticise religion” (19–20 February 2026), to the Australian Press Council.

The headline and article are false and materially misleading. The joint community submission did not seek to “jail those who criticise religion”.

Its primary position was that criminal hate speech laws should be removed. As a secondary and reluctant position, it supported extending existing protections—currently limited to race and ethnicity—to cover the targeting of people because of their religious belief or activity. 

Such protections for people already exist in civil laws across the country and include public-interest exceptions, which we also called for in any criminal version.

The article also falsely claims the organisations sought to exclude “religiously motivated” attacks from terrorism laws in a separate submission. No such recommendation appears in the relevant submission. 

This claim follows a swathe of opinion pieces in the same masthead propagating the same lie.

The article also tries to tarnish the reputation of Muslim organisations that were signatories: the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, the Australian National Imams Council, the Lebanese Muslim Association, the Muslim Legal Network NSW, Muslim Votes Matter, the Muslim Women Association, the Shia Muslim Council of Australia and the Muslim Vote.

The same article also asserts that criticism of Zionism amounts to hate speech, which Australian courts have rejected.

“Such media campaigns are designed to mobilise anti-Islam sentiment, highlighting the role that The Australian plays in driving that movement and pointing to the strong overlap between Zionist and Anti-Islam movements,” said a spokesperson for AMAN.

The NSW submission is here:

https://www.aman.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20250806-Joint-Submission-Independent-Review-NSW-Criminal-Incitement-of-Hatred.pdf.pdf

The INSLM submission on defining terrorism is here:

https://www.inslm.gov.au/system/files/2025-10/joint-community-submission-coordinated-by-aman-dtreview.pdf

ENDS

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The Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN) welcomes the recent shift in Australia’s position on Palestine at the United Nations. This change is a testament to the Australian Government’s willingness to depart from the US block position, showcasing its capability to take independent steps towards justice and peace.

A Significant Shift in Policy

The Labor Government’s strengthened message that recognition of Palestinian statehood should not be contingent on the conclusion of a peace process marks a pivotal shift. This stance, combined with the UN vote, is likely to be seen as hostile by Israel, but it underscores Labor’s readiness to speak necessary truths for the sake of peace and human rights in the region.

Standing Against War Crimes

AMAN also acknowledges Labor’s decision to distance itself from the US stance on the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction over war crimes. Although Labor has not fully affirmed the court’s jurisdiction or retracted the previous government’s objections, this move is a step in the right direction. It signals a cautious but meaningful divergence from outright rejection of international legal oversight.

The Urgent Call for Action

Despite these positive developments, AMAN stresses that the changes are overdue and insufficient given the severity of Israel’s actions. Labor has the potential to make a significant impact by immediately halting Australia’s critical role in the global military supply chain to Israel and its key suppliers.

AMAN urges the Australian Government to unequivocally withdraw from this supply chain. Additionally, AMAN calls for the incorporation of safeguards within the Future Made in Australia Act to prevent the local manufacturing of weapons destined for countries accused of serious crimes under international law.

The 2018 Defence Export Strategy

Australia’s 2018 Defence Export Strategy aims to elevate the nation’s defence industry to a top ten global exporter by 2028, identifying Israel as a key market. Increasing local manufacturing has been a core strategy, with Australia recently becoming the largest US weapons manufacturer outside the United States.

In the past seven months, major deals have been announced between Australian Defence Ministers and Israeli weapons companies. Australia is exporting significant munitions stocks to Germany to meet Israel’s demand. This deep involvement in the global arms supply chain necessitates a reevaluation of Australia’s role and responsibilities.

Upholding Human Rights and Justice

AMAN’s advocacy is rooted in the principles of justice and human rights. The organisation calls for a reassessment of Australia’s defence policies to ensure they align with these values. By withdrawing from the military supply chain linked to Israel and reinforcing safeguards in defence manufacturing, Australia can take a stand against the perpetuation of violence and support a more peaceful and just international community.

For further details and to support AMAN’s advocacy efforts, please visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can work towards a future where all human rights and justice are upheld.

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The Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN) has recently issued a comprehensive briefing note addressing serious concerns regarding the counterterrorism policing events in Sydney. This note underscores inconsistencies in policing standards and highlights the urgent need for fair and humane treatment of individuals, particularly those with mental illness or disabilities.

Inconsistent Policing Standards

One of the core issues raised by AMAN is the stark difference in how the New South Wales (NSW) police handle cases involving mental illness. For example, in the Botany petrol bomb incident, the police did not involve the counterterrorism unit despite clear indications of a politically motivated attack. Contrarily, in the Wakely stabbing incident, police quickly designated the event as terrorism without a comprehensive mental health assessment of the attacker​​.

This inconsistent approach is particularly troubling when considering the severe penalties associated with terrorism charges, which can include life imprisonment. AMAN’s briefing note points out that the terrorist act charges have only been used once in Australian history in relation to a non-Muslim person and never for a non-Muslim minor​​.

The Impact of Mental Illness on Policing Decisions

The briefing note also delves into how mental illness is treated differently depending on the individual’s background. In several cases involving non-Muslim individuals with mental health issues, the charges were often less severe and included considerations for their mental health. Conversely, Muslim individuals with similar or even more severe mental health issues faced harsh terrorism charges​​.

For instance, the Bondi incident involving a white adult male with schizophrenia was quickly ruled out as terrorism, whereas the Wakely incident involving a 16-year-old Arab Muslim boy with a history of mental health concerns was promptly classified as terrorism​​.

The Call for Fair Treatment and Accountability

AMAN calls for a principled and consistent approach to counterterrorism policing, emphasizing the need for fairness in the investigation process, labelling, and charges laid. The organisation argues that mental health and young age should be significant factors in determining the appropriate legal response and punishment, rather than defaulting to severe terrorism charges​​.

Broader Implications for the Muslim Community

The briefing note highlights how the current approach by the NSW police and the broader Australian legal system can exacerbate feelings of alienation and discrimination within the Muslim community. By disproportionately targeting Muslims with terrorism charges and overlooking similar actions by non-Muslims, the system undermines trust and increases the sense of injustice among Australian Muslims​​.

AMAN’s Recommendations

AMAN recommends several measures to address these issues:

1. Review and Reform Policing Standards: Establish clear and consistent guidelines for when and how terrorism charges should be applied, ensuring mental health assessments are integral to the decision-making process.
2. Protect Human Rights: Ensure that counterterrorism measures respect the human rights of all individuals, particularly vulnerable groups such as those with mental health issues or disabilities.
3. Community Engagement: Foster better relationships between the police and the Muslim community to build trust and cooperation.
4. Education and Training: Provide comprehensive training for police officers on cultural sensitivity and the appropriate handling of cases involving mental health issues.

The recent counterterrorism policing events in Sydney reveal critical flaws in how such cases are handled, particularly concerning individuals with mental health issues. AMAN’s detailed briefing note calls for urgent reforms to ensure fair and humane treatment for all, highlighting the need for consistency, transparency, and respect for human rights. For more information and to support our advocacy efforts, please visit our website or contact us directly.

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For Immediate Release:

24 April 2024

The Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN) urgently calls for the cessation of the term “religiously motivated violent extremism” (RMVE) in counterterrorism discourse. This label has repeatedly fueled online hatred and, based on historical patterns, will likely escalate hate incidents against the Muslim community.

The Problem with RMVE

Terrorism, fundamentally, is politically motivated. The use of RMVE misdirects public focus from political motives to an entire religion, fostering unwarranted panic and fear. This term unfairly associates violent acts with the Muslim faith, rather than addressing the political ideologies that drive such extremism.

White supremacist or Incel-inspired terrorism is often categorized as “ideologically motivated.” However, when the offender is Muslim, RMVE unjustly implicates a whole religion and its followers. This double standard not only stigmatizes the Muslim community but also glamorises violent acts as religiously sanctioned, inadvertently supporting the narratives of politically motivated groups like ISIS.

The Consequences of RMVE Language

The reckless use of RMVE language by public officials contributes to the spread of dehumanizing conspiracy theories online, increasing the risk of hate crimes similar to the Christchurch massacre. Such terminology emboldens racist groups, escalating threats against Muslims and perpetuating fear and division.

Recent Examples of Double Standards

Recent events in Sydney starkly illustrate the inconsistent application of terrorism designations. The Bondi attacker, known to police for mental health issues, was quickly ruled out as a terrorist. In contrast, the Wakely attacker, also with mental health concerns, was swiftly labeled as a terrorist. This disparity highlights a prejudicial approach that disproportionately impacts young Muslims, who face severe biases when tried before the courts.

Criticism of ASIO and AFP

ASIO Director Mike Burgess, who often warns against inflammatory language, ironically employed terms like “religiously motivated” and “Sunni violent extremism” in a National Press Club address. Such language misrepresents the Muslim world, linking a vast and diverse community to terrorism. This not only disrespects Muslims but also misleads the public about the true causes of terrorism, endangering and marginalizing an entire community.

AMAN’s Call to Action

AMAN emphatically states that the use of RMVE is both reckless and irresponsible. We demand an immediate end to this terminology in counterterrorism contexts. The focus should shift to accurately describing terrorism as politically motivated, thus preventing the undue vilification of the Muslim faith and its adherents.

The NSW Police Commissioner’s rushed and biased designations lead to severe prejudice against young individuals facing trial. It’s imperative that counterterrorism efforts are fair, consistent, and free from religious bias.

For more information on AMAN’s stance and to support our advocacy efforts, please visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can promote a just and unbiased approach to counterterrorism that respects the rights and dignity of all communities.

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MEDIA RELEASE

The Islamophobia in Australia report, released today by the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation at Charles Sturt University,  shows the compelling need for law reform by the Australian and NSW Governments.

The report analyses data of verified hate incidents from the 2018-19 period, including the aftermath of the Christchurch massacre.

It shows how a commonly perceived ‘association with terrorism’ increasingly underlied hate incidents.

AMAN contributed a case study in the report on the conflation of Muslim identity with terrorism and its connection with Racist Nationalism.

Three years ago on this day, an Australian opened fire on two New Zealand mosques, murdering 51 men, women, and children.

Yet just in the last few months, the Australian and NSW Governments inexplicably voted down laws to ban actors from inciting hatred against  people based on their religion. Members of the LNP support this necessary change but they are yet to fully discuss this as a party. The Attorney Generals of both Governments must bring this matter forward.

The fact is, Australia’s current legal framework creates an environment of impunity for hate actors and even contributes to Islamophobia.

We must consider structural change within terrorism law.  The Australian Government must avoid endorsing and amplifying violent extremist framing of Islam relied on by ISIL and racist nationalists to invoke a violent sense of duty amongst their members.

The role of religious texts in extremist movements can and should be discussed but ‘religious cause’ should only be in the law if it serves a clear purpose and is in the public interest.

AMAN suggests:

1. Religious vilification and discrimination laws nationally and in NSW.
2. The inclusion of hate speech and disinformation within the online safety framework. AMAN has proposed civil penalties using a notice and action model for dehumanising speech or discourse.
3. The introduction of effective hate crime laws around Australia.
4. The removal of ‘religious cause’ from the terrorism law definition. ISIL and other self-declared Islamist organisations can be monitored under political or ideological cause categories.
5. National definitions for dehumanising speech and discourse enabling hate-fuelled, terroristic, or genocidal violence.
6. The creation of a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments to laws, policies, or political speech that contributes to dehumanising discourse about a group based on a protected attribute (eg, race, religion, asylum seeker status) (“Anti-dehumanisation standard”).

AMAN has been at the forefront of advocacy, bringing a successful action against former Senator Fraser Anning, sponsoring vital research and making numerous recommendations to governments, parliaments, industry, and international bodies.

AMAN also actively contributes to the Christchurch Call Advisory Network and the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism Legal Frameworks Working Group.

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