A new grassroots political movement centred on the Gaza crisis has officially launched in Australia.
Muslim Votes Matter (MVM) launched on Sept. 1 in Melbourne, and aims to repeat what the “Teal” movement did in the 2022 federal election.
Instead of climate change, MVM will attempt to influence voters with high Muslim populations, namely in Sydney and Melbourne.
And instead of domestic politics, the movement will take aim at the perceived lack of support from the Labor government on the Palestinian movement.
The group will also aim to shave support from the flanks of the Labor Party, whereas the Teal movement mainly targeted the affluent seats of the Liberal Party.
MVM spokesperson Naser Alziyadat said there were 20 seats across the country where the movement could have an impact.
“In the last 25 years, no federal government has been elected by more than a 15-seat margin. This positions us strategically to support candidates who prioritise our issues and challenge those who neglect our community,” Alziyadat said in a statement.
The group further emphasised that the Muslim community is one of the largest and fastest-growing minority groups in the country.
“Our collective voting bloc holds significant potential,” Alziyadat said.
MVM national representative Ghaith Krayem claimed mainstream media had perpetuated Islamophobia.
“But here in Australia, Muslims are your doctors, lawyers, professors. We are your teachers, nurses, community service providers, social workers, builders, and even truck drivers,” Krayem said.
The groundwork for the movement began in the fallout of the Oct. 7, 2023 surprise attack by Hamas on Israeli targets.
The Labor government found itself in a difficult position between showing support for its voters—particularly in the Muslim-dominated western Sydney—and backing international condemnation of Hamas terrorists.
