Taxpayers deserve answers on grants to Islamic groups

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 15, 2026

The Australian government has revoked a $308,000 grant to Western Sydney’s OnePath media group over antisemitism concerns amid broader investigations into multicultural grant processes and links between Melbourne’s MyCentre organization and radicalization claims related to a recent FlyDubai terror incident. These developments highlight serious governance, financial transparency, and security issues within federally and state-funded Muslim organizations, prompting calls for stricter oversight and potential suspension of public funding ahead of the upcoming state election.

The Australian government has recently withdrawn a $308,000 grant awarded to the Western Sydney Islamic media organization OnePath amid concerns over its dissemination of antisemitic material. This development has sparked broader questions about the due diligence processes surrounding multicultural grants programs administered by the federal and state governments.

The issue comes amid an ongoing investigation by the Auditor-General into the Albanese government’s Supporting Multicultural Communities program, prompted by allegations of non-competitive grant distribution and potential pork-barrelling.

Further scrutiny has focused on MyCentre, a Melbourne-based Muslim organization at the center of recent radicalization claims linked to a terror attack aboard a FlyDubai flight en route to Israel. The UAE Attorney-General has stated that the accused co-pilot became acquainted with individuals connected to MyCentre while studying in Melbourne. MyCentre operates under the registered name Multicultural Youth Centre Limited and shares a registered address with the Islamic Information and Services Network of Australasia (IISNA).

Records and MyCentre’s own website confirm a direct relationship between the two entities. IISNA announced plans to establish MyCentre in 2010, with Melbourne Islamic preacher Samir Mohtadi, also known as Sheik Abu Hamza, identified as its founder. Mohtadi has publicly denied allegations that the FlyDubai co-pilot was radicalized through contact with MyCentre.

Nevertheless, Mohtadi’s record includes documented instances of antisemitic statements on social media and court testimony from a 2008 trial in which he acknowledged support among Muslims, including himself, for Osama bin Laden. Additionally, a 2003 sermon by Mohtadi advocated views condoning domestic violence under specific conditions, raising concerns about his leadership and influence.

Financial audits of MyCentre have also raised red flags. An independent auditor issued a qualified opinion in 2024, citing inadequate verification of cash donations and lack of documentation for a nearly $240,000 Victorian government grant. The organization’s financial statements showed a $1.15 million financial asset recorded under the name Mohtadi M S in 2024, which was reduced to zero by mid-2025. Experts and officials have called for clarification regarding the nature of this transaction and the identity of the recipient.

Further complexities emerged from governance changes at MyCentre, with the appointment of five new directors in early 2025, four of whom share the Mohtadi surname. The organization reportedly engaged in substantial related-party transactions, including a nearly $1.5 million outstanding amount owed to IISNA. IISNA is involved in plans to develop a large Islamic complex in Mickleham, Victoria, which would include a mosque, separate primary and secondary schools, and a retirement village. This project has faced opposition from local residents concerned about traffic and community impact. The application for the development is currently under review by Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny ahead of the state election.

MyCentre also recorded a sharp increase in rental income from a related entity, My College Ltd, rising from $486,364 in 2023 to $1.17 million in 2024. In addition, there is an outstanding unsecured, interest-free loan of $150,000 from My Centre to My College with no fixed repayment schedule.

Collectively, these findings reflect governance and financial transparency issues within MyCentre, including substantial taxpayer funding from both the Victorian and federal Labor governments. The Australian Federal Police are investigating alleged associations between the FlyDubai incident and members of Melbourne’s Muslim community, intensifying calls for immediate suspension of public funds to MyCentre.

With the anniversary of a major terrorist attack on Australian soil approaching in December, these revelations underscore the urgent need for stringent oversight of organizations receiving government grants, particularly those with ties to controversial figures and activities linked to radicalization.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.