Advocacy
Policy Submissions
ICV's formal submissions to government inquiries, parliamentary committees, and public consultations — advocating for the rights and welfare of Victoria's Muslim communities.
60 submissions on record
2025
6 submissionsICV Policy Statement on Accessibility and Disability Inclusion
ICV's policy statement calling for inclusive practices and reasonable adjustments to ensure Muslim Victorians with disabilities can fully access community services and participation.
ICV Policy Statement on Accessibility and Disability Inclusion
ICV's formal policy position calling for genuine accessibility and disability inclusion across Victorian Muslim community organisations. The statement outlines ICV's commitment to removing physical, attitudinal, and systemic barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in community life, worship, and services.
ICV 2025–2026 Commonwealth Pre-Budget SubmissionFeatured
ICV's pre-budget submission urging the federal government to invest in social housing and food assistance programs for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The submission argues that housing affordability and food insecurity are preventing migrants and Muslim Australians from fully participating in society, and calls for coordinated policy linking housing, employment, and social services.
ICV Submission to the Inquiry into the Autonomous Sanctions Amendment Act 2021
ICV urges the government to strengthen Australia's autonomous sanctions regime to more effectively address human rights violations, particularly those affecting Muslim-majority countries. The submission calls for greater transparency in the sanctions listing process, independent oversight, and clear criteria for when sanctions should be applied against foreign actors committing atrocities.
ICV 2025-2026 Commonwealth Pre-Budget Submission
ICV's annual pre-budget submission to the Federal Government outlining funding priorities for Muslim community services, social cohesion programs, and anti-Islamophobia initiatives.
ICV Submission to the Inquiry into the Autonomous Sanctions Amendment Act 2021
ICV calls for stronger sanctions mechanisms to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable, with particular reference to the situation in Palestine.
2024
20 submissionsCounter-Terrorism and Countering Violent Extremism Position Statement
ICV's position on counter-terrorism policy, opposing approaches that disproportionately target Muslim communities and advocating for evidence-based, rights-respecting frameworks.
Counter-Terrorism and Countering Violent Extremism Position StatementFeatured
ICV's official position on counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism (CVE) policy in Australia. The statement advocates for community-led approaches to preventing radicalisation, warns against policies that disproportionately target Muslim communities, and calls for a rights-based framework that addresses root causes of extremism including discrimination, marginalisation, and lack of belonging.
Submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill
ICV supports strengthened hate crime legislation while raising concerns about provisions that could be misused to target legitimate advocacy and community expression.
Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee Inquiry into the Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill
ICV supports strengthening hate crime laws to better protect Muslim Australians and other faith communities from religiously motivated violence and harassment. The submission calls for explicit religion-based protections within the Criminal Code, stronger evidentiary provisions, and improved police training to identify and record hate crimes against Muslim communities.
Submission to the Department of Justice and Community Safety on Anti-Vilification Protections
ICV submission to the Victorian consultation on proposed anti-vilification protections, advocating for comprehensive protections that include religion as a protected attribute.
Submission to the Department of Justice and Community Safety on Anti-Vilification Protections
ICV responds to Victoria's consultation on expanding anti-vilification protections, advocating for laws that explicitly cover religion as a protected attribute. The submission highlights the lived experiences of Victorian Muslims who face religiously motivated hatred and discrimination, and calls for accessible complaint mechanisms and meaningful penalties that deter vilification.
ICV Submission on Enhancing Civil Protections and Remedies for Forced Marriage
ICV calls for stronger civil law protections against forced marriage while acknowledging the cultural and religious complexities surrounding marriage in Muslim communities. The submission supports giving survivors accessible legal pathways, and urges the government to invest in community education programs that clearly distinguish between forced and arranged marriages.
ICV Submission on the Attorney-General's Enhancing Civil Protections for Forced Marriage Consultation
ICV advocates for strengthened civil protections for forced marriage victims, with culturally appropriate responses that support victims without criminalising communities.
ICV Submission to the Inquiry into Australia's Sanction RegimeFeatured
ICV calls for Australia's sanctions regime to be applied consistently to human rights violators, including Israeli officials responsible for violations against Palestinians.
ICV Submission to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Reference Committee Inquiry into Australia's Sanction Regime
ICV examines Australia's sanctions framework and advocates for its strengthening to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses personally accountable, particularly in Muslim-majority conflict zones. The submission calls for transparent criteria, independent review mechanisms, and sanctions targeting individuals rather than broad economic measures that harm civilian populations.
ICV Position Statement on the Occupation of PalestineFeatured
ICV's formal position on the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories, calling on the Australian government to recognise Palestinian statehood, impose targeted sanctions on officials responsible for human rights violations, and support international humanitarian law mechanisms. The statement reflects the deep concern of Victoria's Muslim community about civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Submission to the Legislative Council Inquiry into Food Security in Victoria
ICV submission highlighting the intersection of food insecurity with Muslim communities, including halal food access, Ramadan considerations, and support for community food programs.
ICV Position Statement on the Occupation of PalestineFeatured
ICV's formal position on the Israeli occupation of Palestine, calling for immediate ceasefire, recognition of Palestinian statehood, and accountability for human rights violations.
Submission to the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee's Inquiry into Food Security in Victoria
ICV highlights the disproportionate impact of food insecurity on Muslim and culturally diverse communities across Victoria, including challenges around halal food access in food bank systems. The submission calls for culturally appropriate food assistance programs, increased funding for community food relief organisations, and a coordinated strategy addressing both immediate needs and long-term food security.
Submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Criminal Code Amendment (Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes) Bill 2024
ICV supports strengthening Australia's international crimes legislation to ensure perpetrators of genocide and crimes against humanity can be prosecuted under Australian law. The submission urges the government to adopt a comprehensive framework aligned with the Rome Statute and to ensure Australian citizens and companies are not complicit in atrocities occurring abroad.
Submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Criminal Code Amendment (Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes) Bill 2024
ICV supports strengthened domestic legislation to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, and to hold Australians accountable for complicity in such crimes.
Submission to the Department of Home Affairs on the 2024-2025 Humanitarian Program
ICV calls for increased humanitarian intake, particularly for Palestinians and other conflict-affected Muslim communities, with simplified processing pathways.
Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee: Migration Amendment (Removal and Other Measures) Bill 2024
ICV opposes amendments that expand removal powers without adequate safeguards, raising concerns about the impact on asylum seekers and refugees, including those from Muslim-majority countries.
Submission to the Department of Home Affairs on the 2024–2025 Humanitarian Program
ICV urges the federal government to increase Australia's humanitarian intake and prioritise refugees from conflict-affected Muslim-majority countries including Afghanistan, Syria, and Palestine. The submission calls for improved settlement support services, community sponsorship pathways, and faster processing of family reunification visas for separated families.
Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee: Migration Amendment (Removal and Other Measures) Bill 2024
ICV raises serious concerns about proposed migration law amendments that would expand the government's powers to remove non-citizens, warning that these provisions risk harming vulnerable communities including stateless persons and those fleeing persecution. The submission calls for robust judicial oversight, compliance with non-refoulement obligations, and safeguards protecting human rights.
2023
4 submissionsSubmission to the Department of Justice and Community Safety: Victorian Anti-Vilification Protections Reforms
ICV submission responding to Victoria's proposed reforms to anti-vilification laws, advocating for broader protections including religious vilification and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
Submission to the Inquiry into the Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures Bill 2023
ICV submission raising concerns that the proposed ISIS flag ban may inadvertently criminalise the Islamic declaration of faith (shahada) recited by 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide.
Submission to the Department of Justice and Community Safety on Victorian Anti-Vilification Protections Reform
ICV engages with Victoria's review of anti-vilification laws, advocating for comprehensive protections covering religion as a ground alongside race. The submission draws on ICV's first-hand experience documenting Islamophobia and calls for a strengthened legal framework with accessible complaint pathways, community education requirements, and deterrent penalties.
Submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security: Review of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Bill 2023
ICV supports legislation banning Nazi and other extremist hate symbols while urging parliament to ensure the laws are applied even-handedly and do not create unintended restrictions on legitimate cultural or religious expression. The submission calls for the inclusion of symbols associated with anti-Muslim hatred and white supremacist movements that specifically target Muslim communities.
2022
6 submissionsSubmission to the ALRC Review of Exceptions in the Sex Discrimination Act for Religious Educational Institutions
ICV submission to the ALRC review arguing for a balanced approach that protects religious freedom while preventing discrimination by religious educational institutions.
Submission to the INSLM Review into Division 105A of the Criminal Code
ICV submission to the review of post-sentence detention powers, arguing that these powers are disproportionate and discriminatory in their application to Muslim individuals.
Submission to the Victorian Systemic Review of Police Oversight
ICV submission raising concerns about racial and religious profiling of Muslim communities and advocating for independent oversight mechanisms for Victorian police.
Submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission Review of Religious Educational Institution Exceptions
ICV engages with the ALRC's review of exemptions that allow religious schools to discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The submission advocates for a framework that respects religious schools' ability to operate according to their values while protecting students and staff from harm, and calls for transparent criteria and external accountability mechanisms.
Submission to the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Review into Division 105A of the Criminal Code
ICV examines Australia's Continuing Detention Order regime for high-risk terrorist offenders, raising concerns about indefinite detention beyond the expiry of criminal sentences without adequate independent review. The submission calls for stronger oversight mechanisms, clear criteria, and rehabilitation-focused alternatives that do not disproportionately impact Muslim communities.
Submission to the Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety on Police Oversight Systemic Review
ICV calls for strengthened independent oversight of Victoria Police to address systemic issues including racial profiling, discriminatory use of stop-and-search powers, and inadequate accountability for misconduct. The submission draws on community experiences of over-policing and calls for cultural reform within Victoria Police, mandatory bias training, and a more accessible complaints process.
2021
10 submissionsSubmission to the Cultural Review of the Adult Custodial Corrections System
ICV advocates for the religious and cultural rights of Muslim prisoners in Victoria, including halal food, prayer facilities, access to imams, and culturally sensitive case management.
Submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Extremist Movements and Radicalism in Australia
ICV cautions against approaches that conflate religious observance with radicalism and advocates for community-led prevention programs over surveillance-based approaches.
Submission to the Senate Inquiry on Family and Partner Reunions
ICV advocates for more accessible family reunion visa pathways, particularly for Muslim families separated by conflict, persecution, or immigration backlogs.
Submission on the Ending Indefinite and Arbitrary Immigration Detention Bill 2021
ICV supports legislation to end indefinite and arbitrary immigration detention, calling for time limits on detention and independent review mechanisms.
Submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry on the Religious Discrimination Legislative Package
ICV submission welcoming protection against religious discrimination while opposing provisions that would allow religious bodies to discriminate against others.
Submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights Regarding the Religious Discrimination Legislative Package
ICV engages with the federal government's proposed Religious Discrimination Bill, supporting protections for Muslims and other religious minorities from discrimination in employment, education, and the provision of services. The submission urges the government to ensure the bill does not inadvertently expand the ability of religious organisations to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people and other vulnerable groups.
Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee's Inquiry on Family and Partner Reunions
ICV advocates for a more accessible and timely family visa pathway to allow separated families — particularly those from Muslim-majority refugee source countries — to reunite in Australia. The submission highlights the profound mental health, social, and economic impacts of family separation and calls for increased visa quotas, reduced processing times, and lower financial thresholds.
Submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security's Inquiry into Extremist Movements and Radicalism in Australia
ICV calls for a balanced approach to addressing extremism in Australia that recognises the threat posed by far-right white nationalist movements alongside other forms of violent extremism. The submission warns against policies that stigmatise Muslim communities and advocates for community partnership, early intervention programs, and addressing the social conditions that contribute to radicalisation.
Submission to Victoria's Cultural Review of the Adult Custodial Corrections System
ICV highlights the particular challenges facing Muslim inmates in Victoria's prison system, including limited access to halal food, Islamic pastoral care, and religious observance. The submission calls for culturally responsive corrections policy, engagement with Muslim community organisations, and reforms to reduce the disproportionate representation of young Muslim men in the prison system.
Submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Migration Review of the Ending Indefinite and Arbitrary Immigration Detention Bill 2021
ICV strongly supports ending indefinite immigration detention, arguing it is a form of arbitrary punishment that causes severe psychological harm and violates Australia's international human rights obligations. The submission calls for time limits on immigration detention, independent judicial oversight, and community-based alternatives that respect the dignity of asylum seekers and refugees.
2020
6 submissionsSubmission to the Inquiry into the Use of Targeted Sanctions to Address Human Rights Abuses
ICV advocates for the use of targeted sanctions to address human rights abuses globally, with particular reference to situations of persecution of Muslim minorities worldwide.
Submission to the Senate Inquiry on Issues Facing Diaspora Communities in Australia
ICV submission highlighting the unique challenges faced by Muslim diaspora communities and calling for culturally responsive government services and anti-discrimination protections.
Submission to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee on Diaspora Community Issues
ICV highlights the diverse contributions of Muslim diaspora communities to Australian society and the unique challenges they face, including discrimination, barriers to employment, and disconnection from their countries of origin. The submission calls for policy frameworks that recognise diaspora communities as assets and advocates for culturally appropriate services, anti-discrimination protections, and engagement with diaspora-led organisations.
Submission to the Human Rights Subcommittee Regarding the Inquiry into Targeted Sanctions
ICV advocates for Australia to adopt a Magnitsky-style targeted sanctions regime to hold individuals responsible for serious human rights violations personally accountable. The submission calls for transparent listing criteria, parliamentary oversight, and the application of sanctions targeting perpetrators of abuses against Muslim-majority populations in China, Myanmar, and other contexts.
Submission to the Victorian Inquiry into Anti-Vilification Protections
ICV submission calling for religion to be included as a protected attribute in Victorian anti-vilification law and for stronger enforcement mechanisms to address Islamophobia.
Submission to the Victorian Legislative Assembly's Legal and Social Issues Committee on Anti-Vilification Protections Inquiry
ICV makes the case for expanding Victoria's anti-vilification laws to include religion as a protected attribute alongside race. Drawing on documented incidents of Islamophobia, the submission argues that existing racial vilification laws fail to protect Muslim Victorians from hatred targeting their faith, and calls for accessible civil remedies and strong community education programs.
2018
2 submissionsSubmission to the Federal Government's Religious Freedom Review
ICV submission calling for comprehensive federal religious anti-discrimination legislation and protection against religious vilification to address the increasing targeting of Australian Muslims.
Submission to Federal Government's Religious Freedom Review
ICV engages with Australia's Religious Freedom Review, advocating for protections that address the particular vulnerabilities faced by Muslim Australians in public life, employment, and education. The submission supports a national religious discrimination act while calling for balancing mechanisms that prevent religious freedom protections from being used to justify discrimination against other vulnerable groups.
2017
6 submissionsSubmission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Freedom of Religion or Belief
ICV submission emphasising the importance of the right to manifest religious belief and calling for stronger protections for Muslim Australians experiencing discrimination and vilification.
Submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Migration's Inquiry into Migrant Settlement Outcomes
ICV highlights barriers to settlement for Muslim migrants including Islamophobia, employment discrimination, and gaps in culturally appropriate services, and proposes targeted solutions.
Submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Migration's Inquiry into Migrant Settlement Outcomes
ICV examines the settlement outcomes of Muslim migrants in Victoria and calls for improved, culturally responsive settlement services and English language programs. The submission highlights barriers including Islamophobia, credential non-recognition, and inadequate community support, and advocates for sustained government investment in multicultural organisations that help newly arrived Muslims integrate and thrive.
Submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Inquiry into Freedom of Religion or Belief
ICV engages with Australia's inquiry into international religious freedom, advocating for a more robust foreign policy response to the persecution of religious minorities globally, including Muslim minorities in countries such as China, Myanmar, and India. The submission calls for Australia to use diplomatic, trade, and sanctions tools to promote religious freedom as a universal human right.
Submission to the Select Committee Inquiry into Strengthening Multiculturalism
ICV advocates for a genuine multicultural policy that recognises the contribution of Muslim communities and addresses systemic barriers to inclusion and social cohesion.
Submission to the Select Committee on Strengthening Multiculturalism Inquiry
ICV presents recommendations for strengthening Australia's multicultural policy framework, including investment in intercultural dialogue programs, stronger anti-discrimination enforcement, and recognition of the economic and cultural contributions of Muslim communities. The submission advocates for a multicultural framework that moves beyond tolerance to active inclusion and genuine shared civic belonging.