The Minns Labor Government moved to strengthen councils’ enforcement powers across New South Wales, unveiling reforms that allowed utilities to be cut off to unlawful premises hosting hate preachers when operators ignored planning laws and cease-use notices.
Under the changes, councils were empowered to act decisively when a place of public worship operated without lawful planning approval. Once a council issued a stop-use notice and that order was defied, it could seek the disconnection of essential utilities, effectively forcing the premises to shut down.
The reforms were aimed squarely at what the government described as “factories of hate” — unlawful venues that promoted hatred, intimidation or division under the guise of community or religious activity. The measures applied consistently across NSW, ensuring councils had meaningful tools when existing compliance notices were ignored.
NSW Police and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure were to work closely with councils to support enforcement and protect community safety. Councils were also required to consult police on safety concerns before approving new places of public worship.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said the state would not tolerate extremism or intimidation masquerading as lawful community activity, arguing the new powers gave councils “real authority to act” when premises flouted the law and sowed division. He said that where operators refused to comply, councils would be able to cut off utilities and close such venues permanently, framing the reforms as essential to social cohesion, public safety and shared Australian values.
Acting Minister for Planning and Public Space Yasmin Catley said planning laws existed to build safe, inclusive communities and should not be exploited to shield unlawful behaviour. She said enabling councils to disconnect utilities ensured planning decisions were respected and prevented illegal operations from continuing unchecked.
The NSW Government said it would also strengthen penalties for non-compliance to ensure shutdown notices carried immediate and serious consequences. The reforms built on earlier legislation targeting hate, including new offences for inciting racial hatred, bans on displaying Nazi symbols at Jewish places, and added protections for people attending their place of worship.
While reiterating that freedom of religion remained a fundamental right in NSW, the government stressed that this freedom did not extend to operating unlawfully or putting community safety at risk. It also said it would continue working with the Commonwealth Government on complementary measures to curb hate preaching nationwide.
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