Aftab Malik has been announced as the federal government’s first special envoy to combat Islamophobia in Australia.
The appointment comes two months after Jillian Segal was named Australia’s first envoy on anti-Semitism.
Malik, whose role will include addressing Australia’s Muslim community and will begin his three-year term on October 14.
He said working with Segal would play a big part in that role.
“Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are not mutually exclusive: where there is one, you will likely find the other lurking. I do not intend to use this role to assert that one form of hatred is more important than any other: anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are unacceptable,” he declared.
“Each of us can play a role in ensuring that violence and hatred have no place in our communities. We can do this by valuing and strengthening the bonds that bind us, speaking out against discrimination, and being allies to those who experience it.
Promoting social cohesion and tackling hate in Australia is more important now than ever.
Malik previously worked in the NSW Premier’s Department, promoting social cohesion and tackling hatred and extremism and is considered a “global expert” on Muslim affairs by the Alliance of World Civilizations. United Nations, the government said.
Home Secretary Tony Burke said: “Intolerance is always wrong. You should be able to live freely and safely in Australia, no matter who you are or what you believe. »
