NSW Introduces Tough New Laws to Shut Down Illegal Worship Sites and “Hate Factories”

Amid growing concerns over the spread of extremism and hate speech in certain covert religious circles, the New South Wales government has introduced new laws targeting illegal places of worship and radical preachers. Officials say the measures are aimed at shutting down what they have described as “hate factories.” The decision was formally announced following the deadly attack in Sydney’s Bondi last December, which intensified debate around public safety and the role of closed, opaque environments in the radicalisation of individuals.
Under the reforms, local councils across NSW will be granted expanded powers to identify and halt the operation of venues functioning as public places of worship without proper planning approval. The state government has stated that some of these sites are “operating unlawfully while simultaneously promoting hatred, fear, and division within the community.” NSW Premier Chris Minns said the changes are “directly designed to shut down hate factories,places operating outside the law and undermining social cohesion.” He added: “There is no place in New South Wales for hate and extremism, even when it is disguised as religious or community activity.”

The new laws allow councils to issue cease-use notices to unauthorised venues. If operators fail to comply, authorities will have the power to cut essential services such as water and electricity. A key provision of the reforms requires mandatory consultation with NSW Police before approval is granted for any new place of worship, ensuring that proposed sites do not pose a risk to public safety.
Penalties have also been significantly increased. Under the new framework, individuals may face fines of up to $110,000, while organisations could be fined up to $220,000. The government described the increase as “necessary for genuine deterrence,” noting that previous penalties were too low and often treated as a cost of doing business by non-compliant operators.

At the same time, the NSW government has sought to address concerns around religious freedom. In an official statement, it emphasised: “Freedom of religion is a fundamental right, but it does not extend to unlawful activity or actions that endanger community safety.” Authorities stressed that the laws do not target legitimate, licensed places of worship, but are instead focused on venues operating outside the legal framework and, in some cases, serving as platforms for hate speech.
Despite government backing, some legal experts and local officials have warned that careful implementation will be essential to avoid blurring the line between countering extremism and protecting religious freedoms. Nonetheless, the state government maintains that the reforms are a necessary response to emerging threats, with the stated goal of “protecting public safety and strengthening social cohesion” across New South Wales.