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

The post AMAN files complaint over The Australian’s false claims about Muslim bodies appeared first on Australian Muslim Advocacy Network.

We are proud to stand alongside a coalition of Australian community organisations calling on Universities Australia to adopt a single, unified anti-racism standard that applies equally to all communities, regardless of race or religion.

Australia’s universities must uphold one clear and principled framework to address racism, bigotry and discrimination. Fragmented or group-specific definitions risk creating confusion, double standards and unequal protection.

Why a Unified Standard Is Necessary

We believe that adopting an Islamophobia definition alone will not resolve the serious concerns raised about the proposed Antisemitism definition. Creating multiple narrow definitions does not strengthen protections. It risks entrenching inconsistencies and silencing legitimate political expression, including criticism of states.

Anti-racism must be consistent. It cannot depend on which community is being discussed or which political issue is being debated.

Developing separate standards for different groups creates gaps and competing thresholds. Universities need clarity, fairness and coherence, not layered definitions that undermine trust.

Supporting the Definition of Dehumanising Material

Together with our coalition partners, we strongly support the Definition of Dehumanising Material as the foundation for a unified anti-racism standard.

This definition is grounded in extensive research from leading scholars and institutions, including work on atrocity prevention and hate crime data. It offers a comprehensive and principled approach that protects all groups based on race, religion and ethnicity, while preserving space for legitimate political criticism.

Dehumanisation strips communities of empathy, dignity and protection. It has preceded some of history’s worst atrocities. Today, Palestinians are experiencing acute and dangerous forms of dehumanisation. Ignoring this reality undermines the integrity of any anti-racism framework.

What Dehumanisation Looks Like

Dehumanisation often appears through harmful stereotypes that portray racial or religious groups as threats to society or as collectively responsible for the actions of a few. These narratives erode equality and open the door to discrimination and exclusion.

Double standards in fighting racism are dangerous. Universities cannot adopt different standards for different communities and still claim to uphold equality.

Our Call to Universities Australia

We are urging Universities Australia to:

• Set aside the proposed Antisemitism definition
• Adopt the Definition of Dehumanising Material as the foundational standard
• Directly consult with impacted communities, anti-racism policymakers and human rights experts
• Commit to ongoing engagement after implementation

Starting with one clear, unified standard ensures consistency, fairness and transparency, especially in situations where competing claims of racism arise.

One Standard. Equal Protection.

If universities are serious about combating racism, they must reject dehumanisation in all its forms and apply one coherent standard to everyone.

We remain committed to working constructively with institutions to ensure that anti-racism policies protect all communities equally and uphold the principles of justice and dignity for all.

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We share your grief and we will always stand by you.

Antisemitism (anti-Jewish racism) should have no place in Australia. We should all feel and be safe in our identities – free to practice our faiths, live our cultures, celebrate with family, and be in community with one another. Everyone has a right to live in peace and safety, no matter their belief or background.

In the aftermath of this shocking violence, we remember our shared humanity. We honour the memories of those killed. We celebrate the unity, courage, and care being shown by millions of people across Australia as we mourn together.

We have seen what happens when a community is singled out and scapegoated based on their identity, ethnicity, race or religion; and we reject efforts to create further division through fear, polarisation, and disinformation.

We come together and echo the words of the NSW Faith Affairs Council that “We will not let hatred and violence divide us. Across all our cultures and faiths, we will stand united in sympathy, compassion and solidarity.“

We are resolute in our collective commitment to defend everyone’s rights to safety, culture and faith, and to build a peaceful society.

We commit to deepening our understanding of how anti-Jewish racism arises, in order to better identify and prevent it from being committed against the Australian Jewish community ever again.

We stand with the Australian Jewish community, in love and solidarity.

List of signatories

• 350 Australia
• 5point Foundation
• ABC Friends
• ActionAid Australia
• Advocacy for Oromia
• Alannah & Madeline Foundation
• Amnesty International Australia
• Animal Liberation
• ANTAR
• Anti-Poverty Network SA
• ARRCC (Australian Religious Response to Climate Change)
• Art + Environment
• Astha Nepali Hindu Society Victoria- PashupatiNath Temple
• Asylum Seekers Centre
• Atkinhead Centre for Medical Discovery
• Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR)
• Australia Multicultural Organisation Network
• Australia Palestine Advocacy Network
• Australia Strongim Bisnis
• Australian Arab Institute for Culture and Ideas
• Australian Childhood Foundation
• Australian Communities Foundation
• Australian Conservation Foundation
• Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS)
• Australian Democracy Network
• Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN)
• Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN)
• Australian Progress
• Australian Youth Climate Coalition
• Baby Give Back
• Basic Rights Queensland
• Beyond Zero Emissions
• Biomimicry institute
• Bob Brown Foundation
• Boronia Multicultural Services
• Boys to the Bush
• Browns For Better
• Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action
• Bushwalking Victoria
• C Milliner consulting
• Caladenia Dementia Care
• CASPA
• Cherished Pets
• Children and Young People with Disability Australia
• Cini Australia
• Circus Oz
• Citizens Climate Lobby
• CLIMARTE
• Climate Action Network Australia
• Climate and Health Alliance
• Climate Council
• Climate Integrity
• Climate Resource
• Common Ground First Nations
• Communify Qld
• Community Directors
• Complementary Medicine Association Limited
• Conservation Council ACT Region
• Country Hope
• Country Needs People
• Cowra Early Childhood Services
• Darlinghurst Theatre Company
• Darts Australia Ltd
• Democracy in Colour
• Denmark Baroque
• Digital Rights Watch
• Doctors for the Environment Australia
• Dying with Dignity NSW
• Edith Cowan University Student Guild
• Effective Philanthropy
• Environment Centre NT
• Environment Victoria
• Equality Australia
• Eritrean-Australian Community & Settlement Support Network Inc.
• Every Home for Christ Australia
• Fair Agenda
• Financial Counselling Victoria
• FoodCare Orange
• For Purpose Alliance (FPA)
• Foundation for Young Australians
• Friends of the Earth Australia
• Future Earth Australia
• Gaye Mason Advisory
• Gender and Disaster Australia
• GetUp
• Gippsland Disability Advocacy Inc
• GoodWolf
• Graham F Smith Peace Foundation
• Grassroots Action Network Tasmania
• Greater Melbourne Foundation
• Greenpeace Australia Pacific
• Groundswell Giving
• Haemophilia Foundation Victoria
• Homelessness NSW
• Human Rights Law Centre
• Impact Recovery Ltd.
• Infoxchange
• Inner City Legal Centre
• Innov8 HQ
• Institute of Community Directors Australia
• International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA)
• IWD Meanjin Brisbane
• Justice Connect
• Justice Reform Initiative
• K Farmer Dutjahn Foundation
• Kiwanis Brighton Bayside
• Koala Action Inc.
• KU Children’s Services
• Kyabram Community and Learning Centre Inc.
• Leading Progress
• Let’s talk peace – Ballarat
• Liberty Victoria
• Light of Hope Foundation
• Lighter Footprints
• Lorne Sculpture Exhibition Inc
• Macarthur Community College
• Macdoch Foundation
• Mackay Regional Community Legal Centre
• Mannifera
• Mary MacKillop Today
• Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
• Medical Association for Prevention of War
• MHA Care Limited
• Morrow Studio
• Multicultural Community Services Of Central Australia (MCSCA)
• Multicultural Leadership Initiative
• Nature Conservation Council NSW
• New England Family Support Service
• New Israel Fund Australia
• Ngala
• Noisy Boy Media
• North & West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre
• North East Community Assistance Project Inc
• NSW Council for Civil Liberties
• NTCOSs
• NYID
• Older Women’s Network NSW
• Oromia Peace Institute
• Oromo community in Melbourne
• Our Community
• Oxfam Australia
• Palm oil detectives
• Parents For Climate
• Peacifica
• Peoples Climate Assembly
• Per Capita
• Perinatal Wellbeing Centre
• Permaculture for Refugees
• Permanent Care and Adoptive Families Inc.
• Plan International Australia
• Play Australia
• Polonia Polish Association of Qld Inc
• PRISM
• Pro Bono Australia
• Project Planet
• Prosper Australia
• Psychology for a Safe Climate
• Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS)
• Rainbow Giving Australia
• Rainbow Hollow
• Redfern Legal Centre
• Reichstein Foundation
• Resilient Lismore
• Rights Resource Network SA
• Sapna South Asian Climate Solidarity
• SarasCare
• Save the Children Australia
• Scarlet Alliance, Australian Sex Workers Association
• SEARCH FOUNDATION
• Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia
• Sexual Health Victoria
• Social Good Summit Australia
• Social Responsibilities Committee, Anglican Church Southern Queensland
• Social Ventures Australia
• South Australian Council of Social Service
• South Australian Rainbow Advocacy Alliance Inc.
• South East Arts
• South East Volunteers
• St Andrew’s Meals on Wheels
• St Andrews Uniting Church, Mildura
• Strength Potential
• Tackling Leukaemia Inc
• Teach Learn Grow
• The All One Foundation
• The Benevolent Society
• The Fred Hollows Foundation
• The Funding Network Australia
• The Learning Future
• The Menora Foundation
• The NFP backroom
• The Revillaging project
• The Sunrise Project
• The Unquiet Collective
• The WeirAnderson Foundation
• The Wyatt Trust
• Tipping Point
• Unharm
• Vets for Climate Action
• Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA)
• Vietnamese Women’s Association SA
• Voices of the Top End (VoTE)
• Volunteering Australia
• Wagga Women’s Health Centre
• Welcoming Australia
• West Australian Council of Social Service
• Western Australian Innovation, Technology & Talent Alliance
• White Eagle Lodge of Australia Pty Ltd
• Wildlife Rescue South Coast Inc
• Women’s Legal Centre ACT
• Worker Assist Tasmania
• Working Women’s Centre Australia
• Working Women’s Centre SA
• World Animal Protection
• YLab

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The call comes amid growing concern over Ms Machado’s public support for far-right movements, anti-Muslim extremism, and military intervention in Venezuela.

A Call for Moral Integrity

In a joint letter sent to the Nobel Committee in Oslo, the signatories expressed deep concern over the decision. They stated that the Nobel Peace Prize should honour individuals who defend justice and peace for all, not those who promote war, racism, or fascism.

Reasons for Concern

The letter outlined several issues that contradict the Nobel Committee’s values.
Ms Machado reportedly:

• Spoke at the Patriots of Europe conference alongside far-right figures including Geert Wilders, Marie Le Pen, and Viktor Orbán.
• Formed a political alliance between her party, Vente Venezuela, and Israel’s Likud Party — whose leaders face war-crime allegations at the International Criminal Court.
• Declared that “the struggle of Venezuela is the struggle of Israel,” and supported moving Venezuela’s embassy to Jerusalem.

According to Reuters, participants at the conference called for a “new Reconquista,” invoking medieval wars against Muslims in Spain.

These public stances, the organisations said, undermine the credibility of the Nobel Committee and the moral authority of the Peace Prize itself.

What the Letter Calls For

The signatories urged the Nobel Committee to ask Ms Machado to:

1. Renounce her alliance with Israel’s Likud Party.
2. Apologise for joining a conference promoting fascism and anti-Muslim hate.
3. Retract her calls for war as a means to achieve democracy in Venezuela.

If she refuses, they say the Committee should rescind the award and instead recognise someone who truly upholds peace — such as activists, journalists, and medical professionals who risk their lives defending human rights worldwide.

United Global Voices

The letter was co-signed by major Muslim and human rights organisations from across the Western world, including:

• Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN)
• Canadians United Against Hate
• Collective Against Islamophobia in Europe (CCIE)
• Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
• Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO)
• Islamophobia Studies Center
• Muslim Council of Britain (MCB)
• The March 15th Forum – Combating Islamophobia
• US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO)

Together, they represent millions of people who believe that peace prizes should celebrate courage, not hypocrisy.

Plea for Accountability

AMAN stands with its international partners in urging the Nobel Committee to uphold the integrity of one of the world’s most respected awards.

By ensuring that the Nobel Peace Prize reflects the true meaning of peace, justice, and equality, the Committee can restore faith in its mission.

Read the full joint letter here (PDF)

The post AMAN Joins Global Civil Rights Groups Call on Nobel Committee to Withdraw Award appeared first on Australian Muslim Advocacy Network.

But here’s the truth every professional should know:

Human rights advocacy is lawful in Australia.

Speaking out against injustice, supporting oppressed communities, or calling for accountability under international law is not only a moral duty—it’s a legally protected right.

Yet, many complaints made against professionals are not rooted in law. They are intimidation tactics meant to silence your voice.

That’s why AMAN has created a factsheet specifically for you—to guide you through how to respond to such complaints safely, confidently, and within your rights.

Click here to read the full AMAN factsheet

Who Is This For?

• University lecturers, researchers, and students
• Doctors, nurses, psychologists, and health sector professionals
• Social workers, educators, and counsellors
• Anyone facing workplace pressure for their human rights advocacy

What Should You Do if a Complaint Is Made?

1. Stay Calm
   • Advocacy for human rights—including the rights of Palestinians—is not racial vilification. It’s legal and protected under Australian and international law.
2. Request Full Information
   Ask your employer or institution:
   • Review and Respond Thoughtfully
   • Use AMAN’s guide to assess whether your speech breaches any policies.
   • Know that criticism of a state, military, or ideology is not the same as targeting people based on race or religion.
3. Seek Expert Help
   • Contact your union or a workplace lawyer.
   • Reach out to the Islamophobia Register Australia.
   • Document everything.

Know Your Legal Protections

Political Belief Is Protected
In VIC, ACT, QLD, and TAS, it’s unlawful to discriminate against someone based on political views.

Public Interest Expression Is Lawful
Criticism made in good faith and in the public interest is protected.

Defamation and Harassment Remedies Exist
If a complaint is made public and affects your reputation, or if it becomes drawn-out without basis, you may have legal recourse.

What If You’re in the Public Service or Health Sector?

• Be aware of any workplace policies around public commentary and symbols.
• Policies must be reasonable, consistent, and proportionate.
• If non-Palestinian cultural expressions are allowed, similar expressions should be too.

Get the Full Factsheet
The AMAN factsheet gives you practical steps, legal context, and expert guidance in clear language. It is designed to protect and empower professionals who are being unfairly targeted for standing up for human rights.

Download or read it here:
AMAN Factsheet: Human Rights Advocacy is Lawful

The post Facing a Complaint for Human Rights Advocacy? Here’s What You Should Know appeared first on Australian Muslim Advocacy Network.

Understanding the Report

The report meticulously documents instances of anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim rhetoric shared within a significant Australian Zionist/pro-Israel Facebook group. It highlights a troubling pattern of hateful and dehumanising commentary directed at Palestinians, Muslims, and those who support them. This behavior is not isolated but rather reflects a top-down issue, with leadership figures, including the new Antisemitism Envoy, playing a significant role in perpetuating these narratives.

The Weaponisation of Antisemitism

One of the report’s most striking findings is the deliberate weaponisation of antisemitism by pro-Israel activists to suppress Palestinian voices. This tactic is part of a broader strategy to silence any expression of solidarity with Palestinians, both online and offline. The report underscores the need for policymakers and community leaders to recognise and challenge this manipulation, ensuring that all forms of racism are addressed without bias.

The Impact on Palestinian Rights

Anti-Palestinian racism, as defined in the report, is a specific form of anti-Arab racism that seeks to silence, exclude, and dehumanise Palestinians. This includes actions such as Nakba denial, justifying violence against Palestinians, dismissing their Indigenous rights, and defaming those who support them. The report serves as a stark reminder that this form of racism is not just a matter of prejudice but a systematic effort to erase Palestinian narratives and their rightful place in history.

It’s Time for Action

APAN and AMAN are urging policymakers, organisations, and individuals to take concrete steps to combat anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim racism. Some of the key recommendations include promoting the equal worth and dignity of all people, challenging racism and dehumanisation, and creating safe spaces for discussions about the impact of words and actions within a human rights framework.

The “Observations of Anti-Palestinian and Anti-Muslim Racism” report is a critical wake-up call for all Australians. It challenges us to confront the uncomfortable truths about racism in our society and to take meaningful action to ensure that all people, regardless of their race, religion, or nationality, are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

For a more detailed understanding, you can access the full media release and report here.

The post Exposing Anti-Palestinian and Anti-Muslim Racism in Australia: A Critical New Report appeared first on Australian Muslim Advocacy Network.

On behalf of the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN), we announce with profound sorrow the passing of Br Mustafa Kemal Omar, our co-founder, director, and beloved brother.

Over the past 20 years, Br Kemal tirelessly served our community in various capacities, including as a member of the Crescents of Brisbane, Kuraby Masjid, and the Brisbane Islamic Center.

Despite his illness, Br Kemal continued to advocate passionately for the Australian Muslim community. His dedication to Allah SWT and his unwavering commitment towards helping the community will continue to inspire and benefit us all.

Ya Rabb, we ask You to grant Your servant Kemal the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus and grant his family patience and ease during this difficult time.

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