A quarter of Australians feel negative about Muslims: Polls

Rasa - A quarter of Australians describe their personal attitude towards Muslims as negative or very negative, according to a detailed national survey on social cohesion and immigration.

News ID: 1510

Date: 29 October 2014 - 21:42

RNA - People who are most likely to be highly intolerant towards Muslims include those who are over 65, educated to year 11, work in trades and intended to vote Liberal/National or independent.

Those who feel least negative are likely to be young (between 18 and 44), intend to vote Greens, hold a higher degree and live in Victoria, the survey found.

The survey found a very small proportion of people – about 5 per cent – are negative towards Christian and Buddhist faiths, but about 25 per cent feel negatively towards Muslims.

The national survey was completed by 1500 people on the phone and 1000 people online.

Since the establishment of the Islamic State, Islamophobia has reached a record high around the world since the 9/11 attacks causing difficulties for the Muslims living in European and American countries.

In recent months, a small business owner and artist has become a volunteer guide at a newly opened Islamic Museum of Australia in Thornbury.

Many of the neighbours opposed the museum at the planning stage but have since visited and apologised for their position, Ms Merhi said. "When they actually meet Muslims and understand Islam better, that fear just melts away."

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