This morning, in a conversation with Sydney’s 2GB radio, the former Prime Minister addressed his recent comments, clarifying that his proposal isn’t unprecedented. He likened it to the process Anglican ministers undergo, which includes training and accreditation.
“What I’m suggesting is that leaders across all faiths must take responsibility for the teachings within their communities,” he emphasized. “Their teachings should be accurate, positive, and delivered in English to ensure transparency and understanding among the broader public.”
He further stressed the importance of engaging religious leaders, particularly Imams, to confront and manage the challenging issues that exist within the Islamic community. “We need our Imams and other Islamic faith leaders to step up and address these matters head-on,” he stated.
In response, Imam Shadi Alsuleiman, President of the Australian National Imams Council, criticized the former Prime Minister’s remarks as “reckless, irresponsible, and deeply ill-informed.” He argued that fostering public safety and social harmony is a “shared responsibility” that should unite rather than divide.
“It’s profoundly disappointing to hear such divisive language from someone who, as a former Prime Minister, should understand better than most the vital role of unity, social cohesion, and responsible leadership,” Alsuleiman said.
Australian National Imams Council President Imam Shadi Alsuleiman said the comments were “reckless, irresponsible, and deeply ill-informed”, adding that the country had a “shared responsibility” to protect public safety and social cohesion.
“It is profoundly disappointing to hear such divisive language from a former prime minister who understands, better than most, the importance of unity, social cohesion, and responsible leadership,” he said.
“To suggest that an entire faith community should be held accountable for the actions of two criminal offenders, both of whom law enforcement agencies have confirmed acted alone, is unacceptable and categorically rejected.”
Alsuleiman said Australian Muslims were living the “real-world consequences” of this type of political rhetoric.
“Islamophobia does not require spectacular acts of violence to be harmful,” he said.
“Ill-informed or inflammatory language has contributed to a documented rise in Islamophobic incidents, including online abuse, verbal and physical attacks on Muslim women, assaults on Imams and community leaders, arson attacks on homes, and threats and vandalism directed at mosques.”
Labor minister Pat Conroy told the ABC it was unfair to hold the entire Muslim community responsible for people who believed “an extreme perversion of Islam”.
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