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Morrison Calls for National Self‑Regulation of Islamic Institutions at Jerusalem Conference

Critics warn the plan unfairly targets Muslims, risking damage to social cohesion.

Overview

  • Speaking at an antisemitism conference in Jerusalem, Scott Morrison urged a recognised accreditation system for imams, a national register for public‑facing preachers, English translations of sermons, clear training and conduct standards, and enforceable disciplinary powers for a peak body.
  • Morrison framed the proposals as community‑led rather than government‑run and noted other faiths use accreditation models, while also urging scrutiny of overseas funding of religious activity.
  • Liberal senator Andrew Bragg backed elements of the plan as worth considering and said Australian Muslims should take some responsibility for extremist incidents, drawing sharp rebukes from opponents.
  • Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy condemned the remarks as unfair and divisive, with Islamophobia envoy Aftab Malik warning that conflating criminality with faith undermines effective counter‑extremism work.
  • Australian Federal Police chief Krissy Barrett said authorities are reviewing radical sermons line by line under newly strengthened hate‑speech laws, as Muslim organisations report rising Islamophobic incidents and note they previously flagged concerns about hate preachers.