| Dr Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC said: “It is disappointing that the government did not engage with us from the outset.” |
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AFIC Responds to Royal Commission Announcement: Community Must Be Part of the Conversation
9/01/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) notes the formal establishment of a Royal Commission into the Bondi attack and the broader issues of antisemitism and social cohesion.
While AFIC supports efforts to examine and understand the factors that led to this tragedy, we are deeply concerned that no consultation was undertaken with Muslim communities prior to the drafting of the Terms of Reference, despite the Commission’s clear intent to examine broader questions of racism, hate, and national cohesion.
“If the Commission is going to examine issues like antisemitism, racism, and social cohesion, then it is essential that the voices and experiences of all affected communities, including Australian Muslims, are part of the process,” said Dr Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC. “It is disappointing that the government did not engage with us from the outset.”
We recognise the pain caused by the Bondi tragedy and the importance of national efforts to ensure it is never repeated. But a meaningful exploration of racism and hate cannot be selective. Social cohesion cannot be built on exclusion.
AFIC remains committed to working constructively with the Royal Commission and will engage fully to ensure that:
• Matters impacting the Australian Muslim community are properly addressed
• Islamophobia and other forms of racism are not sidelined or minimised
• The Commission’s findings and recommendations reflect the full breadth of the Australian experience
We call on the Royal Commission to approach its work with integrity, balance, and transparency and to recognise that the goal of social cohesion cannot be achieved without inclusive dialogue and genuine community partnership.
Dr Rateb Jneid
President - AFIC |
