OSECI stands by the submission made to the INSLM review
The Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia (OSECI) stands by the submission it made to the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM) review. Our submission reflected the views and concerns raised throughout the consultation process and was provided in good faith to contribute to a robust, evidence-based examination of Australia's counterterrorism framework.
INSLM has undertaken an independent review, and its recommendations deserve careful consideration. The response to those recommendations is ultimately a matter for the Australian Government.
Our position remains that policy and legislation should be guided by evidence, accurately reflect the evolving nature of the drivers of extremism and radicalisation, and avoid contributing to the stigmatisation of any community. Effective counterterrorism frameworks should focus on violent conduct and extremist ideology while ensuring that no faith community is unfairly associated with the actions of violent extremists.
Removing religion as a motivating factor from the definition of a terrorist act is not about denying the reality of terrorist groups such as ISIS or diminishing the harm they cause. Rather, it is about ensuring that terrorism is defined by violent conduct and extremist ideology, not by religious identity. No religion condones terrorism, and the overwhelming majority of Muslims unequivocally reject and condemn ISIS, whose actions represented a distortion and abuse of religious teachings rather than an expression of them.
The Office remains committed to working constructively with government, communities and stakeholders to address the impacts of Islamophobia and to promote a safe, cohesive and inclusive Australia. We will continue to advocate for approaches that strengthen social cohesion, uphold public confidence, and ensure that all Australians are treated with dignity, fairness and equality under the law.
Office of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia (OSECI)
Read the full submission: Submission for the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor: Review of the Definition of Terrorism