About the Special Envoy
The Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Mr Aftab Malik is a distinguished figure in the field of strengthening social cohesion and a thought leader in Australian countering violent extremism policy and program design. Mr Malik has dedicated nearly a decade of his career to public service within the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Premier's Department. Throughout his tenure, Mr Malik has continued to work successfully with a diverse network of major peak bodies, organisations, and critical stakeholders, sustaining deep ties of trust and respect.
Among notable achievements, Mr Malik spearheaded the first government-funded conference in Australia that examined the impacts of the extremist right-wing and Islamophobia on social cohesion after the 15 March 2019 terrorist attack in New Zealand.
His international influence extends beyond Australia. Mr Malik has previously served as a Board Advisor to the British Council's "Our Shared Future" project, headquartered in Washington, D.C., underscoring his global commitment to fostering intercultural dialogue.
Recognised as a permanent designated "Global Expert" on Muslim Affairs by the UN Alliance of Civilisations, Mr Malik's knowledge and subject matter expertise have been invaluable in advancing cross-cultural understanding and cooperation on a global scale.
In 2009, Mr Malik was acknowledged as a "Muslim Leader of Tomorrow", by The Muslim Leaders of Tomorrow; the largest global program creating a new generation of Muslim civic leadership. Renowned scholar Professor John L. Esposito (Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.) has lauded Mr Malik as “a first-rate scholar”, while the academic journal, The Muslim World Book Review, referred to him as “a rising intellectual star”. Professor Philip Lewis, Department of Peace Studies (University of Bradford, UK) noted that Mr Malik is at the cutting-edge of research on Islam and at the heart of a group of young, emerging Muslim scholars, as well as established scholars.
Mr Malik's multifaceted contributions to academia, public service, and international diplomacy underscore his unwavering commitment to strengthen social cohesion, and challenging hate and extremism.
The Special Envoy’s role
The Special Envoy’s focus is on all forms of Islamophobia - addressing and combating hate, abuse, prejudice and discrimination towards Muslims in Australia. The role also includes providing advice, promoting education and awareness, engaging relevant stakeholders to address anti-Muslim hate and anti-Muslim sentiment so we all can succeed and contribute positively to society.
The core work of the Special Envoy is strategic advocacy aimed at ensuring that Muslims in Australia are safe. This involves taking a planned, purposeful approach to creating meaningful change, advocating, raising awareness, engaging stakeholders and working with specialised organisations to foster a safer, more inclusive environment for Muslims
The Special Envoy has the authority to determine the steps and actions required to better understand and address the drivers of Islamophobia in Australia, and to make recommendations to the Australian Government to respond to these challenges effectively. The Special Envoy determines the focus of the Office, the initiatives pursued and the partners to work with.
The Special Envoy is independent of the Government. This means that the Special Envoy determines strategy and engagement priorities autonomously, including developing the required measures to combat Islamophobia effectively without Government influence. The Special Envoy does not receive any direction or instructions from the Government. While the Special Envoy reports directly to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Home Affairs, this role is an independent, non-statutory appointment and is not a formal supervisory relationship. Instead, the Special Envoy provides advice and an annual report to update the Prime Minister and the Minister for Home Affairs on progress and findings.
It is envisioned that the advice and recommendations the Special Envoy provides to government will support effective legislation and policy reform across all levels of Government and with a broad reach into relevant private sectors. In this role, the Special Envoy is responsible for actively advocating for changes within judicial and law enforcement systems and working to strengthen policies that prevent discrimination and hate.
The Special Envoy's approach
The Special Envoy is committed to fostering a society grounded in dignity, respect, and understanding. These core values guide his actions, policies, and partnerships as he works toward a kinder, just and compassionate society.
The Special Envoy works to better inform the public knowledge about Muslims and Islam by sharing accurate information about Australian Muslims and Islam, challenging misconceptions, stereotypes, and promoting understanding through outreach, events and educational campaigns. By providing factual information, sharing positive stories and encouraging respectful dialogue, the Special Envoy aims to dispel myths and stereotypes that often contribute to discrimination and prejudice.
The Special Envoy speaks regularly with Muslim community members and leaders from across Australia from diverse ethnicities, and who represent different practices of Islam to ensure the diversity of the Muslim experience is captured. From November to December 2024, the Special Envoy engaged with numerous Muslim stakeholders in a concentrated effort to better understand the challenges they face in regards to Islamophobia. The groups represented women, youth, religious leaders, academics and experts on Islamophobia, converts, peak bodies and community organisations.
The Special Envoy also meets with a broad range of stakeholders, including community organisations, policymakers, human rights advocates, media outlets, educational institutions and other partners committed to promoting social cohesion and protecting Muslim communities.
A key priority of the Special Envoy is the ongoing work to build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across all levels of Government, key bodies and community organisations. The Special Envoy has a broad reach, spanning national and international platforms, forging alliances and sharing knowledge across the country and with counterparts overseas. Building alliances is a vital component for the Special Envoy, to strengthen advocacy and drive effective outcomes to eliminate Islamophobia. If you have an idea for collaboration, please contact the Special Envoy.