Islamophobia and hate crimes in Australia
New South Wales (NSW) Parliament passed new legislation on June 3, 2026, to strengthen hate crime laws, making it easier to prosecute prejudice-motivated offenses and increasing penalties for inciting violence. As of June 6, 2026, a man was charged with publicly inciting hatred during a November 2025 Sydney protest, and police are investigating online threats against two Sydney mosques referencing the Christchurch massacre, believed to be linked to ongoing threats against Lakemba Mosque. This follows a 740% increase in Islamophobia post-Bondi, with a 70-year-old man charged in January 2026 in connection with threatening letters sent to Lakemba Mosque, one of which included a drawing of a pig and a threat to kill the "Muslim race." NSW police made their specialized hate crime unit, Operation Shelter, permanent in March 2026 to patrol public buildings, places of worship, and protests.
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June 2026 — 4 developments
Man Charged with Inciting Hatred Over Sydney Protest Linked to Mosque Threats
A man was charged on May 6, 2026, with publicly inciting hatred on the grounds of race during a Sydney protest in November 2025. This follows earlier charges in January 2026 against a 70-year-old man in connection with threatening letters sent to Lakemba Mosque, which included a drawing of a pig and a threat to kill the "Muslim race."
Sydney mosques receive online threats linked to Christchurch massacre
Police are investigating online threats made against two Sydney mosques, referencing the Christchurch massacre, which are believed to be linked to the ongoing threats against Lakemba Mosque. The Australian Envoy to Combat Islamophobia described these as disturbing examples of anti-Muslim hate.
NSW Parliament Passes New Hate Crime Legislation Amidst Rising Islamophobia
The NSW Parliament has passed new legislation to strengthen hate crime laws, making it easier to prosecute prejudice-motivated offenses and increasing penalties for inciting violence. This development follows ongoing investigations into threatening letters sent to Lakemba Mosque and a reported surge in Islamophobia.
NSW Premier Calls for Calm Amidst Rising Islamophobia and Mosque Threats
NSW Premier Chris Minns has called for calm amidst ongoing threats against Lakemba Mosque and a documented rise in Islamophobia in Australia, particularly following the Bondi mass shooting. Police are investigating the threats, which have included hate speech and violent imagery.
March 2026 — 1 developments
NSW Police make Operation Shelter hate crime unit permanent amid rising 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 Islamophobia Envoy Calls for Probe into Police Force at Sydney Protest
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.
Lakemba Mosque receives third threatening letter, prompting 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 investigate third threatening letter sent to Lakemba Mosque
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 Investigate Threatening Letter, Increase Patrols at Muslim Sites
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 request increased security for Lakemba Mosque after third threatening letter
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.
PM Albanese condemns threats, links them to Hanson's comments
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 Investigate Third Threatening Letter Sent to Lakemba Mosque
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.
Lebanese Muslim Association reports third threatening letter received by Lakemba Mosque
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.
Lakemba Mosque receives second threatening letter depicting Muslims in burning mosque
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
Arrest Made After Threatening Letter Sent to Lakemba Mosque
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.