New Australia's Grand Mufti appointed

The Australian National Imams Council unanimously appointed Ibrahim Abu Muhammed to the role of Grand Mufti after his predecessor stepped down due to ill health.

He says his main focus will be to safeguard the religion's values and assist relations between Muslims and the wider Australian community.

"I feel it is a huge responsibility, where I need the blessings of God first then the blessing of the Muslim community to carry out my duties," he told SBS.

While appointed by a national council, the Mufti is not considered the head of all Muslims in Australia.