The Islamic Council of Victoria has received $2.4 million in taxpayer funds since 2010-11, a state government investigation found. The inquiry was launched after it was revealed last year that the Islamic Council called for taxpayer-funded “safe spaces” for Muslims who wish to vent extreme speech.
According to the Herald Sun, the report which they obtained under the Freedom of Information laws, found “the Islamic body had probably used public funds to cross-subsidies some ‘unfunded activities’ as was common across the not-for-profit sector.”
Taxpayer funded programs for the Islamic Council included a $570,000 “empower Muslim youth” grant. From 2012-16, a further $440,000 was given for “administration.”
“The review found the justification for some grants unclear, such as $10,000 for a Muslim arts festival and $3500 for an ‘interfaith street breakfast celebration.’”
