The NSW Government is working to enhance the safety of religious communities across NSW by making it easier for places of public worship to upgrade security.

Changes being introduced by the NSW Government mean that places of public worship will no longer require a Development Application (DA) for most security upgrades.

Everyone in NSW should have the right to worship at religious places without fear of threats or intimidation.

Unfortunately, however, scenes of division have been seen in NSW, including outside the Great Synagogue only weeks ago.

The Places of Worship 2024 State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) amendment will allow all places of worship, including churches, mosques and synagogues, to install bollards, fencing, lighting, security cameras, safety glass and reinforced doors through an exempt planning pathway, removing the need for DAs.

The amendment will support more than 3,900 churches, 167 mosques and 25 synagogues to immediately begin upgrading security without the need for lengthy planning approvals.

This is in addition to reforms being considered by the NSW Government that would regulate protests outside religious institutions and places of worship that aim to intimidate or prevent religious people from practising their faith in NSW.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales, said, “Places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace and safety. We are working to ensure all people can worship freely without fear. These changes will make that possible.”

“This decision follows several recent incidents of vandalism and arson against religious buildings in the state, highlighting the urgent need for heightened security.”

“Sadly, these steps are necessary to enable security upgrades to public places of worship, without the need for planning approval, so that all of our people can attend their chosen place of worship freely and safely.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “All community and religious groups have the right to feel safe, and these planning measures will speed up the process to help protect all places of worship from those who seek to damage them.

“These security measures help to improve safety, as well as deter people who commit the kind of divisive acts the community has experienced in recent weeks.

“It is about sending a clear message to our religious communities that the NSW Government supports your rights to practice your beliefs while making it safer for all of us to enjoy our unique places of worship.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said, “Our state is a successful multicultural and multifaith society. But it is important that we don’t take these freedoms for granted. We must work to protect our diversity by protecting the right to religious freedom. 

“These exemptions have been put in place to make sure all people who chose to attend a place of worship are protected and can safely practice their religious beliefs alongside their families and communities.”