Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison ignited fierce controversy this week after calling for strict oversight of Islamic religious leaders in Australia. The proposal has triggered accusations of Islamophobia and threats to religious freedom.
Morrison made the remarks during an antisemitism conference in Jerusalem on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. His comments came six weeks after the devastating Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 15 people on 14 December 2025.
What Morrison Proposed
Morrison outlined sweeping reforms targeting how Islam is practised and governed in Australia. Speaking to Radio 2GB, he defended the proposal by comparing it to existing systems for other faiths.
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the antisemitism conference in Jerusalem. [AIJAC]
Key elements of the proposal include:
- National accreditation system for Islamic preachers and imams
- Mandatory English translation of all religious sermons
- National register for public-facing religious roles
- Enforceable disciplinary authority for religious leaders
- Crackdown on foreign Islamist group connections
“Religious leaders in all faiths have got to take responsibility for what is happening in those faiths,” Morrison told the conference. He claimed accreditation processes already exist for Anglican, Catholic and Jewish preachers.
The former PM argued these measures would help identify those promoting “hate and distorted versions of Islamic religious teachings.”
Muslim Community Condemns Remarks as ‘Reckless’
Islamic organisations across Australia swiftly rejected Morrison’s proposals as dangerous and discriminatory. The Australian National Imams Council described his comments as “deeply ill-informed” and “profoundly disappointing.”
“It is profoundly disappointing to hear such divisive language from a former prime minister who understands, better than most, the importance of unity, social cohesion, and responsible leadership,” the council stated.
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils president Rateb Jneid went further, warning the rhetoric legitimises hatred against Muslims.
“When senior political figures single out Islam in this way, they legitimise the very hatred they claim to oppose,” Jneid said. “Rhetoric like this inevitably creates a divide between so-called ‘acceptable’ and ‘unacceptable’ Muslims.”
The Islamic Council of Victoria called it “absurd” to hold the entire Muslim community accountable for actions by two individuals, referring to the Bondi attackers.
Political Division Over Religious Speech Laws
The proposal has split political opinion in Australia. Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg backed Morrison’s suggestions, arguing the Muslim community must “take some responsibility” for terrorism.
“Unfortunately, there has been a mutation of Islam in Australia and other Western countries where they have sought to kill other citizens,” Bragg told ABC Radio.
However, Defence Minister Pat Conroy strongly opposed the approach, calling it harmful to social cohesion.
“We’ve been very clear these acts were committed by people who believed an extreme perversion of Islam, and to try and hold the entire Islamic community responsible for these acts, I think, is anti-social cohesion,” Conroy said.
The government’s new hate speech laws passed parliament in late January, introducing aggravated offences for religious officials who advocate violence.
Parliament House in Canberra, where heated debates over religious speech regulations took place. [Wikipedia]
Context: Bondi Attack and Rising Antisemitism
The 14 December 2025 Bondi Beach shooting remains Australia’s deadliest terror attack. Father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people including a 10-year-old child.
Australian Federal Police confirmed the attack was inspired by Islamic State ideology. Two homemade ISIS flags were found in the attackers’ vehicle.
The incident occurred amid escalating antisemitic incidents across Australia. Between October 2024 and September 2025, there were 1,654 anti-Jewish incidents nationwide, nearly five times the pre-October 2023 average.
Parliament was recalled for emergency sessions after the attack, passing comprehensive reforms including:
- Stricter gun ownership background checks
- National firearms buyback scheme
- Powers to ban hate groups
- Aggravated offences for religious leaders advocating violence
The political fallout from this controversial security legislation has contributed to existing tensions in Australian politics.
Expert Perspectives on Religious Freedom
Director of the Forum on Australia’s Islamic Relations Kuranda Seyit labelled Morrison’s proposal “quite outrageous” and warned it would alienate young Muslims.
“It only further divides the community in Australia, and it’s going to alienate so many more young Muslims,” Seyit told 3AW. “This is very, very irresponsible from the former Prime Minister.”
Legal and religious freedom experts have raised concerns about government regulation of faith practices. Human Rights Watch warned that Australia’s new hate crime laws need careful monitoring to protect fundamental freedoms.
The organisation noted the legislation could have “a chilling effect on free speech” if not properly implemented with human rights safeguards.
Morrison Defends Stance Amid Backlash
Despite widespread criticism, Morrison maintained his position during media appearances. He insisted the reforms would “keep the wolves from the flock” rather than attack the broader Muslim community.
“After December 14, all options to combat antisemitism must be on the table without fear or favour. This includes how Islam is practised and governed in Australia,” Morrison wrote in The Australian newspaper.
He acknowledged some may characterise his remarks as “hostile to Australia’s Islamic community” but believed the suggested reforms were necessary security measures.
Broader Implications for Religious Communities
The controversy raises fundamental questions about religious freedom and government oversight in Australia. While Morrison pointed to comparative systems in other faiths, critics argue Islam is being unfairly singled out.
Australia’s multicultural framework has long prided itself on religious diversity and freedom. This debate tests those principles against security concerns in the wake of terrorism.
The timing coincides with Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s planned February visit to Australia, invited by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the Bondi attack.
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What Happens Next
The political debate shows no signs of cooling as Australia’s political landscape continues to shift. Muslim organisations have called for dialogue rather than regulation, emphasising community partnership in countering extremism.
Meanwhile, civil liberties groups continue pressing for safeguards in the recently passed hate crime legislation to prevent overreach.
The Morrison proposal is unlikely to advance given government opposition. However, it has reignited national conversation about balancing security, religious freedom and social cohesion in contemporary Australia.
