The Australian Premier Ted Baillieu has stated that taxpayer money will not be used to fund the expansion of halal food outlets and Islamic schools in the region, despite calls from the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, which claims the country's Muslim population are forced to live in small enclaves near the schools.
"The Government should invest in expanding serviceslike halal and kosher meat and food outlets as well as faith-basedschools," it claims.
They continue "If the Government and politicians cannot recognisethis as essential, it should no longer accuse the Australian Muslim communityof intentionally living in enclaves."
However the Premier retorted "All schools are supported in one way or another.
"So when it comes to schools that support should be ona regular basis.
"But I don't think governments are about to get intothe business of subsidising what are normal everyday commercial businesses andhalal butchers would fall into the same category.''