Muslim Australians, who make up 3.2 percent of the population, have traditionally supported the Labor Party, drawn by its historical support for multiculturalism.
But the Gaza conflict, which erupted in October 2023, has fundamentally shaken that trust.
Despite breaking with the United States to support a UN vote opposing Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian territories, Labor’s balanced rhetoric has left many Muslim communities demanding a firmer stance.
Muslim leaders say Labor’s attempt to walk a diplomatic tightrope has failed to reflect the scale of the humanitarian crisis, with thousands killed in Gaza and growing disillusionment growing across electorates once considered Labor strongholds.
The Rise of Muslim-Led Political Activism
In the last two years, discontent has been channelled into political action with organisations like Muslim Vote and Muslim Votes Matter (MVM) emerging as voices against the status quo.Muslim Vote has openly called for voters to avoid voting for Labor, accusing the party of being complicit in the ongoing “genocide in Palestine.”
Muslim Votes Matter, which is targeting 32 seats, has been distributing how-to-vote cards backing Greens and independent candidates.
It also reached out to all leading political parties, including Justice for Palestine, as well as calling for stronger protections against Islamophobia, religious freedom in education, and reforms to national terrorism laws.
Labor responded by dismissing Muslim Votes Matter as a “self-appointed organisation” and warned that its efforts risk benefitting the Liberal Party.
Safe Seats Under Seige
Nowhere is this shift more visible than in Lakemba, a western Sydney suburb where, according to the 2016 census, 59.2 percent of residents identified as Muslim.In the 2019 election, Labor’s vote in Lakemba booths soared above 75 percent.
In the broader electorate of Watson, where Muslims make up 23.4 percent of the population, Labor’s Tony Burke holds a comfortable 13.5 percent margin, winning 65.1 percent of the primary vote in 2022.
But that loyalty is being tested.
Local independents like Dr. Ziad Basyouny and pharmacist Ahmed Ouf are now directly challenging heavyweights like Burke and Education Minister Jason Clare.
Backed by The Muslim Vote, they are campaigning heavily on the message that Labor has failed the Muslim community by not taking a tougher stand on Israel.
Mounting Pressure, Mixed Priorities
Labor’s balancing act of mosque visits and public affirmations of respect for Muslim Australians has not appeased its critics.While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a high-profile visit to a Sydney mosque, reaffirming the government’s respect for Muslim Australians, the response has been lukewarm.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton intensified tensions when he rejected the International Criminal Court’s decision to arrest some Israeli leaders accused of war crimes in Gaza.
Still, many Muslim voters remain undecided.
Some, like Tanveer Shaikh in Melbourne, say “cost of living and climate” are their top concerns. But for others, the war in Gaza remains defining.
“What has happened in Gaza is unforgettable and unforgivable,” Mahnaaz Khan from Canberra told The Epoch Times.
Among younger Muslim women, WA Senator Fatima Payman, who left Labor and launched her own party has become a compelling figure.
“She stands for her values,” said Sarah Iqbal from Canberra.
As Labor enters the next election cycle, it faces a community that once gave it unwavering support. That community is now loudly demanding answers, action, and accountability, regardless of party affiliation.
