Muslim leaders will seek a dialogue with Malcolm Turnbull that promotes social inclusion and counters what they say has been a rise in Islamophobia under Tony Abbott's leadership.
The Islamic Council of Victoria says Australia's Muslim community experienced an "unprecedented" amount of undue attention during the two years of the Abbott government, and had been the target of racially motivated demonstrations resulting in a backlash against everyday Australian Muslims.
"We hope to have a genuine and sincere dialogue with Mr Turnbull, a dialogue that will promote social inclusion," ICV spokesman Kuranda Seyit said on Wednesday.
He said that while the ICV welcomed Mr Turnbull's elevation to the prime-ministership as a "fresh beginning", the litmus test for the new Liberal leader would be how he responds to racism and Islamophobia in Australia.
"We anticipate that he will strongly condemn the racist activities and send a message to Australia that bigotry has no place in our society," Mr Seyit said.
Keysar Trad, spokesman for the Islamic Friendship Association of Australia, will write to Mr Turnbull to congratulate him, but to also seek a dialogue.
Mr Trad told AAP that Muslim Australians have felt under attack, and that emerging divisions in Australian society had seemingly been nurtured in the last few months of the Abbott government.
Mr Abbott had often been criticised by Muslim leaders over comments directed at Islam.
In his landmark national security address in February, Mr Abbott suggested the Muslim community wasn't doing enough to combat the spread of Islamic extremism.
"I've often heard Western leaders describe Islam as a religion of peace," Mr Abbott said at the time.
"I wish more Muslim leaders would say that more often and mean it."
Mr Trad told AAP on Tuesday that he had been contacted by many Muslims "expressing a sense of relief" that Mr Abbott's departure means Australia has a chance of "moving forward and moving away from the politics of blame".
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