Premier Colin Barnett will meet Islamic Council of WA and representatives of Muslim community this week to allay fears of right-wing extremist backlash against the Muslim community.

The joint anti-terror operation led by ASIO-AFP and State police of Sydney and Queensland jurisdictions in a media hyped event created unnecessary paranoia across the nation. Lessons have to be learnt that shock and awe media tactics can backfire on the faces of policy makers.

The shooting dead of Melbourne teenager Numan Haider and Airport harassment of Australian Muslim Hajj travellers last week has further created disquiet within the Australia’s Muslim communities.
The use of deadly force and the application of new national security law on Australia’s Muslim community is a lingering issue for the community that will require careful balancing of competing interests from national security, rule of law and human rights protections.

The State government is committed to social inclusion, respect, harmony and a peaceful multicultural Western Australia. The government’s partnership with the WA’s Muslim community is a testament to this under the Premiership of Hon Colin Barnett.