Media Opinions and Contributions

Australia is one of a handful of nations to include a “religious cause” in its legal definition of terrorism. This is both unnecessary and out of step with international law. It is also detrimental to the way Australians see members of the Muslim community.

The Religious Discrimination Bill prohibits people of faith from vilifying others, but offers no shield in return. Earlier this week, the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network and the Australian National Imams Council approached members of the federal parliament with wording for an amendment which would ban the incitement of hatred against persons on the ground of their religious belief or activity. Now the fate of the amendment, and the Bill, rests in the hands of the Senate.

The digital space is all too familiar with issues caused by misinformation and disinformation. So far, attention has mostly focused inwards; looking at the part advertising plays in funding unreliable content and spend siphoned from quality publishers. But while strong concerns around revenue are un…

Despite the French government’s insistence that its controversial “anti-separatism” law does not single out the Muslim community, it is nevertheless clear that the legislation disproportionately effect the freedoms of Muslim women. It is hard to comprehend why any Western country that claims to champion liberal values and human rights would interfere with how women choose to dress. But France is hardly alone in its approach to Muslim attire. The same attitudes exist in Australia.

Consumers are better informed about the realities of online disinformation than ever. For brands that aren’t being proactive about ensuring their ad spend goes to reputable platforms, that means they run the risk of serious brand damage and questions about their own priorities.

There are a number of serious questions about the standards of justice used to measure and deliver terror convictions. It often appears that Anglo-Australians who possess weapons and extremist materials are charged with far less serious offences and avoid the “terrorist” label. The federal parliament’s inquiry into extremist movements and radicalism must bring fresh eyes to the way we define terrorist conduct and motive.

The murder of 51 Muslims in New Zealand was an atrocity, but it did not come out of nowhere. The seeds of Brenton Tarrant’s vile actions were planted by bad actors intent on fomenting hatred and violence against Muslims. Governments and tech companies must move against these actors, recognising that their project of dehumanisation is an integral part of the eco-system that enables white supremacy.