Albanese: Hanson undermining social cohesion in Islamophobia response

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused One Nation leader Pauline Hanson of “undermining social cohesion” as the government formally responded to a landmark report on Islamophobia, warning that hateful rhetoric can lead to violence. The response, released on Saturday, addresses 54 recommendations from the special envoy to combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, but rejects calls for stronger legal protections for religious groups and a review of counter-terror laws.

Government response to Islamophobia report

The report, handed down 10 months ago, warned that Islamophobia threatens Australia’s national unity and the safety of Muslim communities, referencing the 2019 Christchurch massacre in which an Australian gunman killed 51 worshippers. “The inescapable lesson … is that what begins with hateful ideas can end in unimaginable violence,” the report states. The government acknowledged the rise in Islamophobic incidents and announced new measures, including an education taskforce and a federal police social cohesion team. However, Prime Minister Albanese said some recommendations would be adopted while others required “further consideration”.

Albanese hits back at Hanson’s rhetoric

Speaking in Sydney, Albanese directed sharp criticism at Hanson, who in an April podcast claimed Islam was “based on terrorism”. Although the prime minister did not directly address Hanson’s remarks when prompted by Malik, he said the One Nation leader “has been undermining social cohesion for 30 years”. “Prejudice is something that isn’t normal … but something that is taught, and political leaders have a responsibility to promote social cohesion,” Albanese said. He also responded to Hanson’s lament over the end of the White Australia policy, calling the shift a “good thing” that was bipartisan.

Malik warns of violent consequences

Aftab Malik echoed the report’s warning, saying Hanson’s words could have dangerous effects. “These damaging, dehumanising words … lends itself to threatening behaviour, harm, and ultimately, we’ve seen Christchurch,” Malik said. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke condemned Hanson’s remarks on the White Australia policy, saying he never thought he would see an elected official calling for a return to such a policy. “Part of saying you love Australia is to love Australia for who we are, not some perverted concept of a country where we would turn on each other,” Burke said. Hanson later denied supporting the White Australia policy in a social media video, stating, “Never ever have I advocated that, and I don’t believe in it.”

Adopted and rejected recommendations

The government adopted several recommendations, including the creation of an education taskforce and a federal police team dedicated to social cohesion. But it rejected Malik’s call for the legal definition of terrorism to reduce the role of religion—a move Burke had already signalled opposition to earlier in the week. The government also declined to grant stronger legal protections to religious groups, arguing existing laws are sufficient. The response comes amid heightened tensions, with Islamophobic incidents reportedly on the rise.

Looking ahead

Albanese expressed hope that the government’s measures would bolster social cohesion. The opposition has yet to formally respond to the report. With the Christchurch attack still casting a long shadow, the debate over how to balance free speech and community safety remains contentious. The prime minister’s pointed criticism of Hanson signals that the government intends to take a firm stand against divisive rhetoric, even as it treads carefully on legal reforms.