Key Points
- Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia hands 54 recommendations to Prime Minister
- Woodside gets green light to extend Northwest Shelf gas project until 2070
- Debutant Rinky Hijikata’s “dream come true” playing in Davis Cup tie
A new report has made 54 recommendations to Federal Government agencies to combat the rising issue of Islamophobia.
The report was commissioned by the government and released by Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik.
Mr Malik says discrimination against Muslim groups in Australia has been persistent, but since October 2023, the number of incidents has skyrocketed.
He said that is because global events can fuel Islamophobia within the country.
"The Islamophobia Register has recorded a 150 per cent of increase in verified in-person Islamophobic incidents by November 2024. Online, these incidents skyrocketed to 250 per cent, compared to any other period before that. Despite these reports, Islamophobia remain underreported, with far more intensity than what these troubling numbers tell us."
---
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says his government will carefully consider the recommendations from a new report by the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.
But when asked if he will consider bringing back the Religious Discrimination Bill that was dropped in his previous term, Mr Albanese says he won't do so, unless the bill receives bi-partisan support.
"And I have said to faith leaders as well that I certainly support religious discrimination legislation, but I don't support starting a debate that lead to rancour. That doesn't mean it need unanimous agreement, it does mean though that we expect parties of government to be supportive for such a reform."
Mr Albanese says he's willing to engage with Opposition leader Sussan Ley about the bill.
---
The federal government has granted final approval for Woodside’s extension of its gas project in Western Australia.
The Northwest Shelf gas project will now be allowed to operate for an additional 30 years - until 2070 - but with a series of new conditions.
Environment Minister Murray Watt says the almost-50 conditions are aimed at protecting nearby Indigenous rock art.
"You would be aware, it has taken some time to reach this final decision. And I think people should take comfort from that, that we have taken this seriously. As is always the case when a decision is made under Federal Environment law, a proponent of the project is consulted about proposed conditions and that is what happened here."
Vanuatu has previously warned expansion of the gas project could see Australia in breach of a recent decision by the International Court of Justice.
A landmark ruling earlier this year found all countries have a legal obligation to protect and prevent harm to the environment from greenhouse gas emissions.
The government and Woodside have been locked in negotiations for almost four months over the new environmental conditions to support the initial provisional approval granted by the federal government in May.
---
A man charged with making child abuse materials while working at a Sydney childcare centre, has appeared in court.
The man, whose identity cannot be revealed for legal reasons, was arrested in July, and has been charged with seven counts of using a child under the age of 14 years to create child abuse material.
A parent, whose children was previously in his care, says her family has been shocked by the charges.
"Disgust. Anger. Grief. Everything. There's lots of lots of people blindsided by this person. And yeah, it's just disgusting. Just an uneasy feeling in the gut. That was all."
The case will return to court in November.
Anyone seeking information or support relating to sexual abuse can contact Bravehearts on 1800 272 831 or Blue Knot on 1300 657 380.
---
Victoria Police have charged an eighth man over the alleged attack on a site sacred to the Aboriginal community in Melbourne, in the aftermath of anti-immigration protests late last month.
The men involved in the incident at Camp Sovereignty include known neo-Nazis.
The latest man to be charged is a 22-year-old from Benalla.
He has been charged with violent disorder, affray and discharging a missile.
He will face court on September 16th.
---
To sport and in tennis, Australia will attempt to secure a final 8 qualification for the Davis Cup, when it takes on Belgium this weekend.
The newest team member to debut for team Australia, Rinky Hijikata, said selection for the side is a dream come true.
“It is something I have always wanted to do and as as a kid watching the Davis Cup it is the highest honour to represent your country. Just excited to wear the green and gold and rip in with the boys."
The Davis Cup tie will be played at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, with coach Lleyton Hewitt granted a delay to a fortnight's ban that will be imposed after the weekend.
The two-time Grand Slam winner pushed a 60-year-old volunteer after Australia lost a semi-final tie in November, with a tribunal also penalising him with a 30 thousand dollar fine.
Hewitt has said he will appeal the tribunal’s decision.
