Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphasized that individuals involved in racist attacks should face the full legal consequences, following two incidents where Muslim women were assaulted at a shopping center in northern Melbourne. Authorities are investigating reports that a childcare worker, who was wearing a hijab, was struck in the head during her lunch break at a shopping center in Epping. Another Muslim woman was allegedly attacked on the same day at the same location.
The victim, a childcare worker, is reportedly so shaken by the experience that she now fears leaving her home alone. This has sparked calls from advocacy groups for urgent action, highlighting a worrying increase in Islamophobic incidents. The Prime Minister stated that no one should ever feel unsafe due to their identity. He condemned the attacks, stating that such acts of violence, rooted in racism or religion, are unacceptable. He further underscored that it would be inappropriate to comment further while police investigations are ongoing, but stressed that those responsible should face the full force of the law.
Aftab Malik, the government’s special envoy to combat Islamophobia, urged Prime Minister Albanese to publicly denounce the attacks. Malik also highlighted a troubling trend of public assaults on women, particularly Muslim women, in public spaces. Opposition leader Peter Dutton echoed this sentiment, calling the violence a disgrace, especially if the attack was motivated by the victim’s religion or appearance.
Muslim groups have also expressed frustration over what they perceive as selective outrage, particularly regarding the lack of national condemnation following attacks on Muslims. One such incident involved a pregnant woman, and authorities are under pressure to respond more decisively. Julian Hill, Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs, described the assault as appalling and pointed out that Islamophobic incidents, particularly against women, have been on the rise. Hill also noted that many of these incidents are likely underreported due to a fear that authorities won’t take them seriously.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan joined the condemnation, declaring that there is no tolerance for hatred and Islamophobia in her state. She announced that amendments to anti-hate laws would be introduced to strengthen the state’s response to such incidents. Labor’s special envoy for social cohesion, Peter Khalil, also condemned the “vile” attack, noting that such behavior is rejected by the vast majority of Australians.
The attacks in Melbourne come in the wake of a summer marked by rising antisemitic incidents across Australia, including vandalism and an arson attack. Critics argue that the government’s response has been slow, while the government insists it has taken proactive measures, such as appointing envoys to address both antisemitism and Islamophobia.
The issue of Islamophobia and antisemitism continues to be a significant challenge in Australia, with several political figures and community leaders calling for stronger actions and policies to ensure the safety and well-being of affected groups.