AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Remarks by Scott Morrison, Australia’s former prime minister, calling for the establishment of a national registration system and an accreditation framework for imams, along with the expansion of foreign interference laws to cover religious institutions, have triggered strong reactions from Islamic groups and senior officials across the country.
Speaking at a conference on combating antisemitism in the occupied territories, Morrison claimed such measures were necessary in the aftermath of a terrorist attack inspired by ISIS. Focusing on what he described as “radicalized extremist Islam,” he urged Muslim institutions to play a more active role in countering hatred and called for nationwide standards, a national register of religious leaders, and closer scrutiny of foreign funding sources.
In response, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils described the comments as “reckless, deeply offensive, and dangerous,” characterizing them as a fundamental assault on freedom of religion and equality before the law. The federation’s president warned that such rhetoric divides Muslims into “acceptable and unacceptable” categories and carries historically dangerous consequences.
Australia’s federal envoy to combat Islamophobia, while stressing the importance of addressing extremism, stated that this must not be used as a pretext to restrict civil liberties or to cast suspicion over an entire community. The country’s Race Discrimination Commissioner likewise warned that targeting a specific community or faith risks social exclusion and may even contribute to the reinforcement of extremism.
Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry described Morrison’s proposal as “problematic and concerning,” underscoring the valuable and longstanding role of the Muslim community in Australian society. At the same time, the Australian National Imams Council, which represents more than 300 Muslim clerics nationwide, labeled Morrison’s remarks as “deeply ill-informed,” emphasizing that no responsible religious institution has ever supported or condoned terrorist acts.
The council also pointed to the deadly 2019 Christchurch attack, noting that no collective blame was assigned to any religion or community at the time, and argued that the same standard must be applied consistently. Overall, critics warn that such positions, when voiced by senior political figures, risk deepening social divisions, increasing Islamophobia, and undermining national cohesion.
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