The Federal Government has appointed Aftab Malik as the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia in Australia.
Malik will begin a three-year-term on 14 October, and will report to the Prime Minister and the Multicultural Affairs Minister. He has spent over a decade working in the NSW Premier’s Department.
This week’s appointment comes nearly three months after the Government appointed Jillian Segal as the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism.
Malik to be Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia
A “special envoy” is someone who advises the government on a particular area. They also advocate for a specific cause or group of people.
The Government has special envoys for other matters, including the arts and disaster recovery.
Malik’s position, the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, is tasked with engaging with Australia’s Muslim community and anti-discrimination experts on the “most effective ways” to combat Islamophobia.
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Malik said he doesn’t intend to “advocate that one form of hatred is more important than another: both antisemitism and Islamophobia are unacceptable.”
He added: “I look forward to working with Muslim leaders and the broader community to promote peace, understanding and inclusivity.”
Multicultural Affairs Minister Tony Burke said: “You should be able to live safely and freely in Australia, regardless of who you are or what you believe.”
