Making history: Egyptian Anne Aly sworn in as 1st female Muslim minister in Australia

CAIRO – 3 June 2022: Egyptian-Australian Anne Aly has been sworn in as minister for early childhood and youth to become the first Muslim woman to serve as a minister in Australia.

Ed Husic has been also sworn in as minister of industry and science as the first Muslim member of the Australian cabinet.

Aly and Husic were sworn in to the federal cabinet while holding the holy versions of the Quran.

In 2016, Aly also won her seat of Cowan in Western Australia to become the first Muslim women to be elected in the Australian parliament.

Aly told the Guardian that she realizes that the significance of her appointment extends beyond her own feeling, which she said has an impact for young women who can see themselves in the leadership of the nation.

“I hope that we are now witnessing a new era – an era where Australia is truly inclusive and where that inclusivity is reflected in our political institutions,” Aly said.