New South Wales Premier Chris Minns says relations between the state government and the Muslim community have become strained following the cancellation of the annual Premier’s Iftar dinner.
Minns confirmed the decision during an interview on ABC Radio Sydney, saying the move was made after discussions with Muslim community leaders amid ongoing tensions.
The tensions follow protests during last month’s visit to Sydney by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. During the demonstration near Sydney Town Hall, police moved on a group of people who were praying, prompting criticism from community representatives.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon later issued private apologies to Muslim community leaders in meetings and written correspondence regarding the incident.
Minns said rebuilding trust with the Muslim community was now a priority for the government and for civic institutions including Multicultural NSW and the state’s police force.
He said he did not want to take actions that could further inflame tensions during the Ramadan period.
The premier described the circumstances surrounding the protest and police response as a difficult situation for all involved.
Liverpool mayor Ned Mannoun criticised Minns over the issue, accusing the premier of targeting the Muslim community. The criticism followed comments by Minns describing vigils at some Sydney mosques mourning Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as “atrocious”.
The NSW government had also cancelled the Premier’s Iftar dinner in 2024 after major Muslim organisations announced a boycott linked to Labor’s position on the Gaza conflict.
