Local councils in New South Wales (NSW) are set to receive new powers to shut down unauthorized prayer halls associated with hate preaching. This initiative, announced by the NSW government, aims to combat hate, intimidation, and extremism in communities across the state. Under these measures, councils can disconnect utilities from places of worship that lack lawful planning approval, provided they first issue a notice to cease operations.
NSW Premier Chris Minns emphasized the importance of these reforms in maintaining social cohesion. “There is no place in NSW for hate, intimidation or extremism masquerading as community activity,” he stated. He further explained that local councils will have the authority to enforce compliance by cutting utilities to any premises that continue operating unlawfully.
Strengthening Community Safety
The new regulations will require councils to consult with police regarding community safety prior to approving new places of worship. NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley remarked on the need for effective enforcement tools to ensure planning laws are respected. “Planning laws exist to build communities, not to provide cover for unlawful activity,” she said.
Catley’s comments followed the tragic events of the Bondi massacre, where two alleged ISIS-inspired gunmen attacked a gathering in Sydney, leading to renewed discussions about the need to address hate speech and unlawful activity in the community. The term “factories of hate” has been adopted to describe places that promote division and operate outside legal frameworks.
In December 2023, the Canterbury-Bankstown Council attempted to close the Al Madina Dawah Centre in Bankstown, where controversial preacher Wissam Haddad has delivered sermons. Investigations revealed that the centre had been functioning without approval as a prayer hall since its inception. Despite being recently authorized to operate as a medical centre, it had never secured the necessary permits for its religious activities.
Local authorities noted that Naveed Akram, a frequent visitor to the centre, was one of the two alleged gunmen involved in the Bondi Beach shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals.
Legal Challenges and Community Impact
The actions against the Al Madina Dawah Centre are part of broader efforts to curb unlawful activities that can incite violence and hatred. Wissam Haddad faced legal repercussions in the NSW Supreme Court due to anti-Semitic remarks found in his lectures, which were described as “fundamentally racist and anti-Semitic.” He was ordered to remove these materials from circulation.
As these new measures take effect, councils in NSW will be better equipped to handle unauthorized religious venues. The government’s commitment to fostering safe and inclusive communities remains a priority, with a focus on upholding values that unite Australians.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding hate speech and community safety underscores the importance of vigilant oversight in maintaining a harmonious society. The measures introduced by the NSW government mark a significant step towards addressing and mitigating the risks posed by extremist elements within the community.
