Melbourne, 19 - 20 November 2008

Hosted by NCEIS, University of Melbourne

The National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies hosted a two-day conference exploring issues of social inclusion and Muslim integration in Australia.

The Muslim experience of living in multicultural Australia has, by far, been one of success. Far from the ghetto experience in the United Kingdom, Australian Muslims have been engaged and integrated in the social life of the country. This process, however, has not been without difficulties, some real and some perceived. It is important to separate fact from fiction and put the Australian experience in its proper context, by looking at the broader issues at work while being mindful of other related experiences overseas.

Bringing together academic scholars, policymakers and community leaders, this two-day conference discussed and explored issues of social inclusion and Muslim integration in Australia. By exploring key areas of Muslim access to education and employment as critical aspects of social integration, the conference brought public policy that is designed to facilitate social inclusion into focus, and also explored the impact of such policies, especially among Muslim youth and women. The convention of academic scholars, policymakers and community leaders was an important step forward not only in addressing conceptual challenges, but in exploring best practices for facilitating and promoting social cohesion and harmony.

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