On a few occasions in the 2000s and 2010s , tensions have flared between Australian Muslims and the general population . The Sydney gang rapes formed a much-reported set of incidents in 2000 ; a group of Lebanese men sexually assaulted non-Muslim women . In 2005 , tensions between Muslims and non-Muslims in the Cronulla area of Sydney led to violent rioting ; the incident resulted in mass arrests and criminal prosecution . In 2012 , Muslims protesting in central Sydney against '' Innocence of Muslims '' , an anti-Islam film trailer , resulted in rioting . There was an increase in anti-Muslim sentiment in the aftermath of the Sydney hostage crisis on 15 – 16 December 2014 , including a threat made against a mosque in Sydney . However , the Muslim community also received support from the Australian public through a social media campaign
Sydney hostage crisis
2014 Sydney hostage crisis
Islam in Australia