NSW Government to invest in greater safety and security for faith communities

·

A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $10 million over four years to boost safety and security for faith communities.

Through a $10 million grants program, faith organisations will be supported to strengthen safety and security at religious institutions where there is a demonstrated risk, including places of worship, schools, community centres, and buildings with religious symbols.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said everyone across the state should be able to follow and practice their faith freely and without fear or concern for their safety and wellbeing.

“No matter where you’re from, what language you speak, or the faith you follow, everyone deserves tolerance and respect in our state,” Mr Perrottet said. “This commitment will build on this principle to protect communities, increase tolerance and ultimately help people feel safer.”

The $10 million program will provide capital and operational funding for a range of safety measures to strengthen preparedness and response to safety risks, including security and detection software and systems, communal security services, lighting, fencing, CCTV, training staff, and well-being programs for community members.

Importantly, support for guards and management of security at high-risk venues or particularly at-risk sites will also be eligible for funding, as assessed by NSW Police.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said this investment will empower faith groups and organisations to do what they need in order to keep their communities safe.

“We have worked incredibly hard over the years to foster a multicultural and multi-faith society built on mutual respect, understanding and harmony. This investment forms part of our vision to ensure that continues,” Mr Coure said.

Greater safety and security for faith communities in NSW. Photo: Freerangestock

Welcoming the announcement, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Darren Bark said anti-Semitic incidents are at their highest levels NSW has ever seen.

“An attack on one faith is an attack on us all, and this much-needed funding will go a long way to keeping all communities in NSW safe from harm,” Mr Bark said.

“Hate leads to violence, and today’s announcement ensures faith communities are equipped to deter violent attacks, and assists authorities with the prosecution of the offenders.

“We thank the NSW Government and the members of the Religious Communities Advisory Council, who have made this a reality.”

Australian National Imams Council President Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman also welcomed the announcement.

“Islamophobia and other faith-based hate is on the rise, and all of our institutions need ongoing support in order to be protected,” Mr Alsuleiman said.

“Safety and security was identified as a priority when the Council was formed, and with increasing threats to our communities from right-wing extremists. We are very grateful to the NSW Government for this important funding.”

This commitment complements a range of measures implemented by the NSW Liberals and Nationals to improve community safety and social cohesion, including prohibiting the public display of Nazi symbols and creating a new offence of publicly threatening or inciting violence against people on several grounds, including race and religious affiliation.

The NSW Government consulted with the new Religious Communities Advisory Council on safety and security during its inaugural meeting on Monday, 23 January 2023.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Final farewell at Stanmore as Cyprus Community of NSW prepares to relocate

The Cyprus Community of NSW’s club, located at Stanmore for over four decades, is set to relocate, with an “End of an Era” party being held.

Kindred souls: West African blues meet Greek rebetiko

Stani Goma and Con Kalamaras are working on a project to bring West African and Greek roots music together.

What the 2025 Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal and recognition of Palestine mean for Cyprus

In an age where peace deals are brokered in weeks, Dean Kalimniou reflects on what this means for the unresolved Cyprus question.

Cyprus: Historical and political responsibilities of a national tragedy (Part 4)

The rejection by referendum on 24 April 2004 of the settlement plan of the UN by the Greek Cypriots had negatively influenced the international...

Vamvakou: A mountain village reborn in Greece’s Laconia

The mountain village of Vamvakou in Laconia has transformed into a vibrant community blending tradition and innovation.

You May Also Like

Eleni Tzortzopoulou: ‘Kythera Migration Museum may be ready in three years’

Eleni Tzortzopoulou shares with The Greek Herald: 'Kythera Migration Museum may be ready in three years.'

GOCSA to celebrate Epiphany with annual Henley Beach Greek Festival

GOCSA is organising its annual Blessing of the Waters event on Sunday 12 January 2025, to celebrate Epiphany Day.

Remains of fallen soldiers from 1974 Turkish invasion returned to Greece

The remains of six Greek soldiers killed in Cyprus during the 1974 Turkish invasion will be handed over to their families after 45 years.