Islamophobia and hate crimes in Australia
New South Wales police made their specialized hate crime unit, Operation Shelter, permanent on March 29, 2026, to address a broader increase in hate crimes and Islamophobia in Australia, including threats against Sydney's Lakemba Mosque. As of March 29, 2026, the unit will patrol public buildings, places of worship, and protests with armed officers. Australia's special envoy for Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, called for an investigation into police use of force during a Sydney protest, while Lakemba Mosque received its third threatening letter on February 19, 2026, containing a drawing of a pig and a threat to 'kill the Muslim Community,' prompting a police investigation and a request for additional security funding. A Muslim leader described the situation as the 'most alarming' since the Cronulla riots, noting a 740% increase in Islamophobia post-Bondi.
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March 2026 — 1 developments
NSW police have made their specialized hate crime unit, Operation Shelter, permanent in response to a broader increase in hate crimes and Islamophobia.
NSW police have made their specialized hate crime unit, Operation Shelter, permanent in response to a broader increase in hate crimes and Islamophobia. The unit will patrol public buildings, places of worship, and protests with armed officers, following a series of threatening letters sent to Sydney's Lakemba Mosque.
February 2026 — 9 developments
Australia's special envoy for Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, has called for an investigation into police…
Australia's special envoy for Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, has called for an investigation into police use of force during a Sydney protest where worshippers were reportedly moved while praying. This incident, alongside threats against Lakemba Mosque, has intensified concerns about Islamophobia in Sydney.
Sydney's Lakemba Mosque received its third threatening letter, containing a drawing of a pig and a threat to 'kill the Muslim Community,' prompting a police investigation.
Sydney's Lakemba Mosque received its third threatening letter, containing a drawing of a pig and a threat to 'kill the Muslim Community,' prompting a police investigation. A Muslim leader described the situation as the 'most alarming' since the Cronulla riots, noting a 740% increase in Islamophobia post-Bondi. Police are conducting forensic examinations and patrolling religious sites ahead of Ramadan.
Australian police are investigating a third threatening letter sent to Sydney's Lakemba Mosque, whic…
Australian police are investigating a third threatening letter sent to Sydney's Lakemba Mosque, which contained a drawing of a pig and a threat to kill the "Muslim race," referencing the Christchurch massacre. A 70-year-old man has been charged in connection with an earlier letter. The mosque's management has requested additional security funding amid growing community unease.
Australian police launched an investigation into the threatening letter, taking it for forensic testing.
Australian police launched an investigation into the threatening letter, taking it for forensic testing. Police stated they would continue to patrol religious sites and community events to reassure the Muslim community.
Muslim leaders have formally requested additional security support from the NSW government and police force for Lakemba Mosque.
Muslim leaders have formally requested additional security support from the NSW government and police force for Lakemba Mosque. These requests include increased security guards and CCTV cameras in response to the third threatening letter received by the mosque. The community is experiencing growing unease ahead of Ramadan due to the escalating Islamophobic incidents.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the threats, calling for a reduction in heated political rhetoric amid growing anti-Muslim sentiment.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the threats, calling for a reduction in heated political rhetoric amid growing anti-Muslim sentiment. He drew a connection between these threats and comments made by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson.
Australian police confirmed they were investigating the third threatening letter sent to Lakemba Mosque, which contained a drawing of a pig and a death threat.
Australian police confirmed they were investigating the third threatening letter sent to Lakemba Mosque, which contained a drawing of a pig and a death threat. The mosque's management requested more funding for security guards and CCTV cameras.
The Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) stated that Lakemba Mosque had received its third threatening letter.
The Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) stated that Lakemba Mosque had received its third threatening letter. Gamel Kheir, secretary of the LMA, described the situation as the most "alarming" since the Cronulla riots and noted the need for increased security guards day and night.
A second threatening letter was sent to Lakemba Mosque, depicting Muslims in a burning mosque with racist remarks.
A second threatening letter was sent to Lakemba Mosque, depicting Muslims in a burning mosque with racist remarks. Gamel Kheir, secretary of the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA), expressed that the community felt like second-class citizens and feared potential violence.
January 2026 — 1 developments
A threatening letter was sent to Lakemba Mosque, leading to an arrest.
A threatening letter was sent to Lakemba Mosque, leading to an arrest. This is the first of the series of incidents that have occurred in the lead-up to Ramadan.