Moderate Muslims locked out

The Federal Government seems to be caught in a trap of focusing on religious leaders rather than the moderates within the Muslim community, looking for a quick panacea that doesn't exist.

Today's Western society was built on secular democracy yet there is conflict between what we consider new and moderate ideas and religious values and practices.

Introducing a religious leadership model in Australia, as is proposed for the Muslim community, would conflict with our secular values.

Instead of handouts that are likely to end up with favoured religious institutions, the Government should focus on a national campaign against racism and Islamophobia. Youths from Islamic and Middle Eastern backgrounds are finding it difficult to get jobs, for example. Initiatives to tackle such specific problems could do more to address the consequent social problem of a disaffected minority falling under the influence of extremists.

If the aim is to assist community integration, there is no substitute for political representation.

If the aim is to foster moderate Islamic voices, the Government needs to strengthen the engagement of the moderate majority and look at providing mainstream role models.

Give credit where it's due: initiatives aimed at mentoring, employment assistance and boosting participation in local sports are a step in the right direction if kept away from the Prime Minster's reference group.

With the group's tenure coming to an end next month, the Government has an opportunity to do the right thing. It must put in place an advisory body that is more inclusive, moderate and independent. There are many successful individuals and community organisations out there that already are a part of the Australian mainstream and would serve as excellent role models.