The New South Wales government has declared war on "illegal" religious centers accused of breeding extremism. In a sweeping reform announced this morning, Premier Chris Minns revealed that local councils will be granted extraordinary powers to shut down unauthorized places of worship—including the ability to cut off water and electricity—to prevent them from operating.

The crackdown targets what Minns termed "factories of hate," specifically makeshift prayer halls that operate without development consent and serve as hubs for radicalization. The move is a direct response to the Bondi terror attack, where the gunman was linked to a shadowy religious group operating out of a converted warehouse in Western Sydney.

The "Wisam Haddad" Clause

While the legislation is broad, its immediate target is clear: the Al-Madina Prayer Hall in Canterbury-Bankstown, led by controversial cleric Wisam Haddad. A council review revealed the center has been operating illegally since the 1970s, never obtaining approval as a place of worship. Under current laws, the council could only issue fines, which the group easily paid.

Under the new laws:

• Utility Cut-Offs: If an operator ignores a "cease-use" notice, the council can order utility companies to disconnect power and water, physically forcing the venue to close.
• Massive Fines: Penalties for operating without consent will skyrocket from $11,000 to $110,000 for individuals and $220,000 for corporations.
• Police Vetting: Crucially, councils will now be required to consult the NSW Police Force before approving any new place of worship. This gives the police a de facto veto over new religious centers based on security assessments.

"Not About Religion, About Safety"

"There is no place in NSW for hate masquerading as community activity," Minns argued. "If you are preaching division in a building that isn't even safe for occupancy, we will shut you down. For good."

Civil Liberties Concerns

The reforms have drawn sharp criticism from the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, which warned of "mission creep." They argue that giving local councils—bodies designed to manage garbage and potholes—the power to police ideology is dangerous. "Today it is a radical prayer hall; tomorrow it is a climate activist meeting space," a spokesperson warned.

However, the government is banking on public support. In the wake of Bondi, the tolerance for "grey zone" extremism has evaporated. For the "factories of hate," the lights are about to go out—literally.