THORNBURY’S Islamic Museum of Australia will develop a national online education program after receiving a cash injection from the state and federal governments.

During a gala dinner at the Austral Ballroom in Northcote on Saturday night, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop pledged $500,000 from the Federal Liberal Government and State Labor Multicultural Affairs Minister Robin Scott pledged $450,000 towards the program.

Saudi Arabia ambassador to Australia, Nabil bin Mohammed, also promised $1 million from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for infrastructure works.

Ms Bishop said the new education program was designed to build social cohesion and cross-cultural understanding in a world where it was important to understand our history to give us a sense of future.

“The Islamic Museum of Australia is key to promoting a greater understanding of Islamic faith, heritage, history, and its cultural significance and connection to Australia,” Ms Bishop said.

“The museum is also key to promoting a greater understanding of a positive contribution members of the Islamic community have made to Australia.”

The online and printed educational resources will be developed from the museum’s collection and support the school curriculum focus on Asia, and Australia’s engagement with Asia.

Federal Labor Opposition leader Bill Shorten acknowledged Ms Bishop during his speech, saying: “I think she has been most distinguished in this government”.

“I believe, and I know my friend Julie Bishop believes this, this is not a partisan comment — that leadership is not the opportunity to give permission to some in a majority to start having negative views about people in minorities,” Mr Shorten said.

“There are some people who would question the loyalty of someone to their homeland, to their community because they have a different faith — people who would seek to use the actions of a tiny, violent, criminal, corrupt minority, to underestimate the contribution of hundreds of thousands to Australia.”

Mr Shorten said the museum and its education programs would help counter a rise in racism towards Muslim Australians.

Museum patron and Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour said it was wonderful to see representatives from both sides of politics supporting the museum.