Submission to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion

Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, has submitted a comprehensive submission to the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. It outlines recommendations aimed at strengthening social cohesion, addressing identity-based hate, and building a more inclusive and resilient Australia.

The submission was developed in consultation with leading experts in extremism, social cohesion, law, and public policy. It presents 17 recommendations designed to strengthen community trust and democratic resilience. Drawing on research and evidence, it examines the factors contributing to extremism and social division and proposes practical measures to address radicalisation and improve social cohesion outcomes.

A key theme of the submission is the recognition that antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of prejudice often share common underlying drivers. These include social polarisation, harmful online environments and declining trust in institutions. The submission argues that addressing these broader structural factors is critical to reducing hate and fostering safer communities for all Australians.

The submission also examines the impact of more than two decades of counter-terrorism policy and practice. 
It highlights opportunities to strengthen Australia's social cohesion and national resilience while ensuring that responses to security challenges do not inadvertently contribute to discrimination or exclusion. It calls for approaches that protect human rights, uphold democratic freedoms, and support meaningful engagement across communities.

Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, said the following on the importance of addressing the root causes of these issues.

"Australia's strength lies in its diversity. To effectively combat antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of prejudice, we must address the broader conditions that enable hatred and division to take hold. Building trust, inclusion and social cohesion benefit all Australians."

The submission advocates for a whole-of-society approach that brings together governments, institutions, communities and civil society to address hate, strengthen democratic participation and support a more cohesive and united Australia.

The full submission is available on the OSECI website's Submissions page.

Read the submission: Submission to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion (PDF 1.27 MB).