Game-Changing Legislation Targets Radical Preachers: What You Need to Know

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Local councils have been given new powers to close down centres being used to platform extremist preachers in NSW.

The move to eradicate hate speech “behind closed doors” follows the Bondi massacre, where Jewish people were targeted during a Hanukkah event, and two men killed 15 people.

Announcing the laws on Monday, NSW Premier Chris Minns said the powers aim to protect social cohesion and keep communities safe from divisive rhetoric.

“There is no place in NSW for hate, intimidation or extremism masquerading as community activity,” he said on Monday.

The new reform targets so-called “factories of hate”—establishments that flout the law while fostering hatred, intimidation, or division within communities.

Minns said he felt tougher penalties were necessary after a notorious preacher failed to shut down Al Madina Dawah Centre in Sydney’s south-west, which faced “nominal fines” before being closed in late December.

“I believed that it could be easily disregarded by those determined to keep their places of worship open, even if the council ordered their closure,” he explained.

Penalties for non-compliance have seen a significant increase, rising from $11,000 to $110,000 for individuals and from $22,000 to $220,000 for corporations.

NSW councils will have the power to shut down illegal religious centres operating as a place of worship without the necessary planning approvals.

The measure will empower councils to stop venues “spewing hate” while pretending to be community centres.

If an operator defies the orders, utilities to the premises will be disconnected.

“By granting councils the authority to disconnect utilities, we ensure that planning decisions are upheld and that unlawful ‘factories of hate’ cannot continue their operations,” he added.

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said councils will have the new tools, with police also advising on community safety when councils consider new places of public worship.

“When a place of worship or any other premises is operating without approval and ignores a cease-use notice, councils must have effective enforcement tools,” she said.

While the specifics have yet to be fully disclosed, Albanese mentioned that the reform would address hate speech offenses committed by preachers and leaders who incite violence. It will also consider increasing related penalties.

Parliament recalled early to address hate speech

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to recall parliament before Australia Day to introduce new hate speech laws.

Officials are still drafting hate speech laws, which were announced shortly after the Bondi massacre.

While full details remain unclear, Albanese said it will include hate speech offences for preachers and leaders who promote violence and look at increasing penalties associated.

The laws will also develop a narrow federal offence for serious vilification based on race and or advocating racial supremacy.

The hate speech laws will create additional powers for the Home Affairs Minister to cancel or reject visas for those who spread hate and division in this country.