The founder of a new Islamic political party insists it'll bring Australians together amid concerns it could drive a wedge between Muslims and non-Muslims.
Diaa Mohamed says his Australian Muslim Party is about giving Muslims a platform to express themselves.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said it was important everyone had a say but raised concerns about bringing religion into politics.
"I don't necessarily want to see religion being a lighting rod for people being for or against a particular party," he told reporters in Cairns.
"I don't think that is going to help the debate about inclusion and multiculturalism."
Mr Mohamed rejected claims a party based on religion is divisive, insisting people of all faiths are welcome to join.
"There's a lot of parties out there that are religion-based, so I think it's a non-issue," Mr Mohamed told AAP on Tuesday.
He's also defended his decision to launch days after the deadly Paris terrorist attacks, insisting it had been planned weeks ago.
He'd contemplated calling off the launch on the weekend but thought it would be "insincere" to move it.
"Unless you're blaming all Muslims directly for what happened ... then it shouldn't sound insensitive at all," he said.
Senior government figure Christopher Pyne doubted a religious-based party would be very successful, saying Australia was a "secular, pluralist society".
"People can launch whatever political parties they choose ... as long as they comply with the law," he said.
Mr Mohamed said major parties were concerned with pushing their own agendas and toeing the party line.
Jill Sheppard, lecturer at the Australian National University's school of politics and international relations, said the new party would counter the recent rise in anti-immigration parties like the Rise Up Australia Party.
"This redresses that imbalance a little bit - the very loud anti-immigration voices tend to get more attention than they deserve," she said.
It could also help young Muslims feel more engaged with the community and politics, she said.
The party needs 500 members before it can be officially registered.
It intends to submit candidates in every state in the hope of winning a Senate seat at the next federal election.
Share
