PM praises Khawaja as a ‘great Australian’ but rejects suggestion he is ignoring Islamophobia
GuardianFEB 17
Australia PM Condemns Attack on Muslim Women
Above: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ahead of an address to the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra on Jan. 24, 2025. Image copyright: Alex Ellinghausen/Sydney Morning Herald/Fairfax Media via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The government's response to Islamophobic attacks has been inadequate and shows clear double standards compared to its swift and significant attention to antisemitic incidents, demonstrating a systemic bias in how different forms of religious discrimination are addressed in Australia.
Narrative B
Australia takes all faith-based attacks equally seriously. It has appointed special envoys for both antisemitism and Islamophobia, and is actively working to protect all religious communities of the country through law enforcement and policy measures. There is no question of bias here.