Key Takeaways:
- The NSW government is taking action to prevent hate preachers and incitement of violence in communities
- Canterbury-Bankstown Council has issued a "cease use" order to a facility linked to Wissam Haddad due to non-compliance with council regulations
- Haddad has been accused of having ties to Naveed Akram, who has been charged with almost 60 offences, including 15 murders
- The facility has claimed to be under new management and has distanced itself from Haddad and the Bondi attack
- The council has warned of potential penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to $6000 for corporations
Introduction to the Incident
The NSW Premier, Chris Minns, has announced that the state government is supporting efforts to clamp down on individuals who incite hate and violence in communities. This comes after a facility linked to Wissam Haddad, a controversial figure, was issued a "cease use" order by the Canterbury-Bankstown Council. The council’s action is aimed at preventing hate preachers and individuals who incite violence from operating in the community. The Premier stated that the government is ready to make significant changes to prevent such incidents and is supporting the council in its efforts.
Background on Wissam Haddad
Wissam Haddad has been at the center of controversy in the past, with the council having issued him a warning in 2023 regarding a center in Georges Hall that was operating as a gym without proper approval. After further investigation and surveillance, a second notice was issued, and Haddad complied. However, the latest incident has raised concerns about Haddad’s involvement with the facility and his potential ties to Naveed Akram, who has been charged with almost 60 offences, including 15 murders. The facility has since claimed to be under new management and has distanced itself from Haddad, stating that he has no role in the management, committee, or board of the organization.
The Facility’s Response
The facility has released a statement saying that it is under new management and that Haddad’s involvement is limited to occasional guest speaking engagements. However, the facility also shared a statement from Haddad on its social media pages, in which he sought to distance himself from the Bondi attack and denied any involvement. Haddad claimed that there were no verified photos of him and Akram together, but he did not address whether he knew the alleged shooter. The facility has since stated that it was not aware of the council’s actions or surveillance and has claimed that it is a new organization that has taken over the premises.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The council has warned that non-compliance with the "cease use" order could result in a penalty infringement notice of $3000 for an individual or $6000 for a corporation. The council’s actions are aimed at preventing hate preachers and individuals who incite violence from operating in the community, and the consequences of non-compliance are severe. The facility has stated that it will look into the matter and claims that it is a new organization that has taken over the premises.
Support Services
In the wake of the Bondi Beach incident, several support services have been made available to those affected. The Bondi Beach Victim Services can be reached at 1800 411 822, while the Bondi Beach Public Information & Enquiry Centre can be reached at 1800 227 228. The NSW Mental Health Line is also available at 1800 011 511, and Lifeline can be reached at 13 11 14. Additionally, the Kids Helpline is available at 1800 55 1800, or online at kidshelpline.com.au.
Conclusion
The NSW government and the Canterbury-Bankstown Council are taking decisive action to prevent hate preachers and individuals who incite violence from operating in the community. The "cease use" order issued to the facility linked to Wissam Haddad is a significant step in this effort, and the consequences of non-compliance are severe. The facility’s claims of being under new management and its attempts to distance itself from Haddad and the Bondi attack are being closely monitored, and the council is warning of potential penalties for non-compliance. As the community comes to terms with the Bondi Beach incident, support services are available to those affected, and the government is committed to making significant changes to prevent such incidents in the future.
