Syaban Shadikillah, a 28-year-old resident of Mareeba, Queensland, is fighting against the state's directive to surrender his driver's license that pictures him with a colander on his head. He argues that it symbolizes his religious beliefs as a follower of Pastafarianism, a movement he joined after converting from Islam in 2021 while studying in Indonesia. Shadikillah maintains that his driver's license, despite being issued in error according to state authorities, is a legitimate expression of his identity and beliefs.

The Queensland government has mandated that he must obtain a new driver's license because the image contravenes their regulations, which they claim do not permit unconventional religious attire in official identification documents. However, Shadikillah perceives this demand as an infringement on his rights to religious expression and personal freedom. He has firmly stated that he does not wish to have another photo taken, viewing the colander as an integral part of his Pastafarian faith.

This case has ignited discussions about religious expression in Australia, particularly regarding how religious symbols are represented in legal documents. As the movement of Pastafarianism humorously critiques organized religion, Shadikillah's situation raises important questions about the boundaries of faith, personal rights, and the state's role in regulating religious expressions in public life. His stance signifies a broader conversation on the intersection of personal freedom and governmental authority.