Muslim communities in Australia are increasingly engaged in the political process, motivated by concerns over representation and ongoing crises such as the Gaza conflict. Volunteers like Az Fahmi express a deep frustration with being overlooked, while individuals such as Sara are starting to perceive greater accountability from politicians on issues affecting their community. Advocacy groups like Muslim Votes Matter and the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network highlight that recent events have acted as a catalyst for change, emphasizing the need for greater attention to healthcare, housing, and cost of living challenges faced by Muslims.
We're sick of being taken for granted. We're sick of being ignored, says the campaign volunteer, who works in communications. For the first time in a very long time, you're seeing our community really become invested in the electoral process.
I think this is the first election that I'm going to be walking into with a really keen understanding of how the government will be supporting the Muslim community with the challenges that they're facing.
There is no question that the Palestine issue is way bigger than politicians realise, says Nasser Mashni, the president of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network.
Gaza was the catalyst, but the sentiment was always there: we had been marginalised and silenced politically on major issues, says Ghaith Krayem.
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