councilofaustralianmuslims.com.au

Council of Australian Muslims (COAM)

Member driven representation

Who are we?

Council of Australian Muslims (COAM) is a group of Australian Muslims dedicated to represent the everyday Muslim community. We are an organisation where members can join to ensure their perspectives are put forward. We are not an entity that claims representations without members. Expressing the sentiment of Australian Muslims directly – without apology and with community consultation is a key goal that for too long has remained unfulfilled or unsustained.

Systems not relationship

What is the difference between a community leader who forms a strong relationship with government instead of a system that holds to a set of principles? How would it affect the representation of a community? The answer: it makes the world of difference. Forging relationships for the sake of relationships is wide open to exploitation. A principled approach is something that will endue long after relationships have ended.

The Problem

While Muslims are not a monolithic people, they share a common religious identity. All too often, peak bodies, major Muslim organisations or those in authority claim they represent everyday Muslims. However, there is a great disconnect that exists between them, and messages are rarely conveyed with the community. This council aims to capture the sentiment of grassroots. Everyday Muslims have a choice to join as members.

Status Quo

Shifting the status quo involves altering the existing state of affairs. The concept of hard-power relies on grassroots mobilisation, public pressure, and community action to push for change. It also involves the method of engagement, such as open meetings instead of closed door engagements. If the method of engagement is devoid of this approach and the various principles that speak the language of accountability, real change cannot be affected.

Duplicity

It is not about power or seeking advantage due to a significant vacuum. But there is a vacuum, and real representation has been missing or not sustained for all too long.

15k

Representees

100%

Accountability

50+

Representatives

10k

Minute meetings

How are you represented?

Community is at the heart of the matter. The Muslim community is a strong community and has struggled for robust accountable representation. There is an expectation from the community. Their opinions and voices matter and community sentiment should not be ignored. Many bodies are well-intentioned and COAM does not seek to compete nor discredit the effort of others. Rather, it aims to enhance our voice, strengthen our position, enrich the community and hold others accountable. A body that accords itself to a set of principles that benefit the Muslim community, hold to community expectation and in keeping with the Prophet Tradition can achieve this. There is strength in unity.

Government

There are principles to engaging with the government. It is not about relationships but about guiding principles.

Police Enforcement Agencies

Australian academics have long discussed the tactics and heavy-handed approach of police law enforcement agencies.

Terrorism

Australia produced more laws than any other country in the world after the September 11 attacks—over 80 pieces of legislation.

Islamophobia

There is a direct correlation between negative political rhetoric and adverse media portrayal of Muslims in Australia.

Seeking fairness in representing diverse voices within a structured, often hierarchical, societal framework.

Immigration

The subject of immigration has historically been utilised as a cover for alienating communities. This is not unique to Australia. Politicians and media use immigration to fear-monger their constituents.

VIEW OUR PEOPLE

Meet our people

Scholars, lawyers, academics, grassroots, mothers, fathers, youth and mentors are the people that argue on behalf of those who cannot, defend those who cannot and provide comfort to the community knowing there is strong advocacy for the community affairs.