The Opposition leader has confirmed a Coalition government won’t review the position of antisemitism envoy, despite saying the Islamophobia envoy role would be scrutinised.
Earlier today, Peter Dutton said a Coalition government would look at how effective the Islamophobia envoy role had been, stopping short of committing to retaining the position if elected.
“In terms of the envoy, if it is making a difference, if it is helping, then happy to continue it,” Dutton told SBS World News chief political correspondent Anna Henderson.
“But I think there is a lot of frustration at the moment about what is being listened to, from what is being advised by the envoy, so I would have to take advice.”
A spokesperson for the Opposition leader has since confirmed to SBS News that the antisemitism envoy role would not be reviewed and would be continued by a Dutton government if elected.
Labor established the antisemitism and Islamophobia envoy roles in response to a rise in both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents following the and subsequent Hamas-Israel war.
Yesterday, the Opposition leader visited the Al-Madinah mosque in Western Sydney and announced a $25,000 funding commitment for increased security.
Peter Dutton visited the Al Madinah Mosque in Leppington on Sunday. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
The mosque’s imam says he welcomed the Opposition leader to visit his prayer room, even though he said there are many in the Australian Muslim community who disagree with Peter Dutton’s policies and singled out
Imam Ahmad Hussain said he hoped the visit would help Dutton see the Australian Muslim community in a positive light and that he is “isolated” in some of his views.
He said the mosque was approached with about one day’s notice about Dutton’s interest in making a visit.
“Our people said yes,” he said.
“Many disagree with his ideas, but as a place of God — everyone is welcome.”
We hope he can see us in a positive light and he might see that he is isolated.
The festival of , but a number of prominent mosques have been reluctant to host politicians, particularly given a deep resentment and frustration over the way both major political parties have responded to .
There has been further ongoing concern from the community that, while the Opposition has consistently campaigned against antisemitism, it has been far less vocal in speaking out against Islamophobia.
Al-Madinah is a small mosque that attracts a largely Pakistani and Indian community, who mostly live in the marginal seat of Werriwa.
Labor member Anne Stanley is the local member but is facing a strong contest from Liberal Australian-Lebanese candidate Sam Kayal.
The mosque’s preaching is delivered in English and Urdu, rather than Arabic.
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