CANBERRA February 18, 2026 – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued a formal message extending greetings to the nation’s Muslim community as they observe the holy month of Ramadan, which commenced on Wednesday. The statement, released on February 17, highlights themes of faith, reflection, forgiveness, and national unity, while acknowledging the ongoing pain caused by conflicts in the Middle East. However, the message has ignited controversy on social media, with critics accusing the PM of overlooking the Christian observance of Lent, which also began around the same time.
In his message, shared via his official X account (@AlboMP) and other platforms, Albanese began with “Ramadan Mubarak,” describing the period as an opportunity for Muslims to affirm their faith and practice acts of love and kindness. He praised the contributions of Muslim Australians, noting their “long and proud story” that has enriched the country through hard work, aspiration, and love of nation.
“At Ramadan, we reaffirm that our nation’s success, strength and unity is built on the fundamental right of every Australian to practice their faith in peace and safety, proud of who they are,” the statement reads. “We all take pride in the remarkable country we have built together and we all share a responsibility to safeguard it.”
The PM also addressed the impact of regional conflicts, stating: “It is also important to acknowledge the pain and grief that the conflict in the Middle East has caused for Muslims here in Australia. While moves towards peace in the region are encouraging, there is still much to be done.” He concluded with well-wishes: “Over the month ahead, may your faith sustain and comfort you, and may it surround you with the love and nurture of others.”
The message comes amid heightened sensitivities within Australia’s diverse communities, particularly in light of recent government decisions. On the same day, Albanese announced that Australia would not repatriate 34 women and children with alleged ties to the Islamic State group from detention camps in Syria, emphasizing national security concerns. “We have no sympathy, frankly, for people who traveled overseas in order to participate in what was an attempt to establish a caliphate to undermine, destroy, our way of life,” he told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
While some have welcomed the Ramadan greetings as a gesture of inclusivity—such as comments on Instagram and LinkedIn expressing gratitude and calling for continued commitment to social cohesion—the response on X has been largely critical. Many users pointed out that February 18 marks Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent for Christians, a period of fasting and reflection observed by a significant portion of Australia’s population. Critics questioned why no similar message was issued for the Christian community.
One X user remarked, “Today is also the start of Lent for Christians. No message for that?” Another accused the PM of “pandering” to minorities, stating, “You gonna say anything about the beginning of Lent for the 20% of the Australian population, or just pander to the 3.2% you’ve imported?” Some responses were more pointed, with users expressing frustration over perceived selective empathy, especially regarding Australia’s stance on Middle East issues and domestic policies affecting Muslim communities.
Supporters, however, defended the message, with one commenter noting, “Thank you Prime Minister for your kind words and wishes… It’s a blessing to live here—but I invite you to listen carefully to the many current concerns our Muslim community has.”
The debate underscores ongoing discussions about religious equity in Australia, a multicultural nation where Christianity remains the largest faith group, followed by growing Muslim and other communities. As of the latest census, Muslims make up about 3.2% of the population, while Christians account for around 43%.
Albanese’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment on the backlash. The full Ramadan message can be viewed on the Prime Minister’s official social media channels. With Ramadan expected to last until mid-March, community leaders from various faiths have called for mutual respect and dialogue to bridge divides.
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