NSW councils to be given powers to shut down ‘factories of hate’ as Minns targets unlawful places of worship

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 1 min read 100% complete by Anne DaviesJanuary 12, 2026 at 04:09 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

Following the Bondi terror attack, the NSW government, led by Premier Minns, is introducing reforms to empower local councils to shut down unlawful places of worship. The proposed laws aim to target "factories of hate" by clarifying shutdown powers and introducing harsher penalties. Councils will be able to issue larger fines and cut off utilities to premises that defy shutdown orders. These measures are intended to strengthen the ability of councils to address and prevent the operation of illegal and potentially dangerous religious gatherings within their jurisdictions. The announcement of these new laws was made on Monday.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Australia 60% Minns government 70% Bondi 80% New South Wales councils 80% New South Wales 90% Bondi terror attack 90%

Keywords

unlawful places of worship 90% nsw councils 80% shutdown powers 80% factories of hate 70% bondi terror attack 70% utilities cut off 60% new laws 50% minns government 50%