An Islamic college in regional New South Wales has been handed a 28-day ultimatum to demonstrate its principal is a 'fit and proper' person or face being shut down by the authorities.
Investigation into Controversial Posts
The dramatic deadline from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) comes almost a year after state and federal probes began into a series of contentious social media posts linked to the school's head, Sheikh Abdulghani Albaf. Albaf is the principal of New Madinah College in the town of Young.
The posts under scrutiny include one where Albaf stated that 'Anti-Zionism is not Anti-Semitism'. In another from December 15, 2023, he declared Israel was 'worse than Nazis', labelling it 'THE ZIONIST TERRORIST REGIME'.
Further posts shared by an account in his name invoked the slogan 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' and called for the destruction of the 'Israeli Zionist regime'. One graphic depicted a Palestinian child growing up to become a fighter wearing a Hamas-style headband.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Show Cause Notice
NESA began monitoring New Madinah College shortly after the investigation was launched and conducted an on-site inspection mid-year. The school, which teaches the Quran, Arabic, and Islamic values alongside standard curriculum from kindergarten to Year 10, is now fighting for its survival.
A NESA spokesperson confirmed a show cause notice had been issued to the Chair of the school's Board regarding the principal's conduct, emphasising that student safety and wellbeing was the priority. Under NSW law, unregistered schools are not permitted to operate.
Political Fallout and Calls for Tighter Rules
The case has drawn sharp criticism over the time taken to act. Robert Gregory, CEO of the Australian Jewish Association, questioned the year-long delay, warning of the dangers of incitement.
In response, Acting NSW Education Minister Courtney Houssos has promised tougher regulations. 'I have directed NESA to review the 'fit and proper person' requirements for principals to ensure they are strengthened,' she stated, vowing not to let unacceptable conduct go unchecked and to act against anti-Semitism.
The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of heightened tension in NSW following the Bondi Junction attacks, with Premier Chris Minns pledging to crack down on inflammatory rhetoric. Meanwhile, the NSW Greens are planning a constitutional challenge against the government's proposed anti-protest laws.
Sheikh Abdulghani Albaf and New Madinah College have been contacted for comment.
