Key Takeaways:
- The City of Canterbury Bankstown Council has issued a "cease use" directive to the Bankstown Al Madina Dawah Centre, citing that the site has never been approved to run as a prayer hall.
- The centre is linked to notorious Islamic preacher Wisam Haddad, who has been found to have breached the Racial Discrimination Act and has been identified as a spiritual leader of Australia’s pro-Islamic State network.
- The council’s decision has been supported by Premier Chris Minns, who praised the mayor’s leadership in taking decisive action.
- The Al Madina Group, which manages the site, has questioned the timing and motivation behind the council’s order, stating that they had acted in good faith and were under the impression that no development application was required.
Introduction to the Issue
The City of Canterbury Bankstown Council has taken swift action to shut down a prayer hall in the city’s south-west, citing that the site has been operating illegally. The Bankstown Al Madina Dawah Centre, located on Kitchener Parade, has been issued a "cease use" directive, effective immediately. The council’s decision comes after a review of records dating back to the 1970s found that the site had never been approved to run as a prayer hall, and had only recently received approval to operate as a medical centre.
The Link to Wisam Haddad
The centre is linked to notorious Islamic preacher Wisam Haddad, who has been found to have breached the Racial Discrimination Act in a series of antisemitic lectures. Haddad, also known as Abu Ousayd, has been identified as a spiritual leader of Australia’s pro-Islamic State network. The council’s spokesperson stated that Mr. Haddad was previously issued with a directive to shut down premises unauthorized to conduct prayer meetings at other sites. Furthermore, it has been reported that Bondi gunman Naveed Akram, 24, was a follower of Mr. Haddad when he was a teenager, although Mr. Haddad has denied any involvement in the Bondi attack.
The Council’s Decision
The council’s decision to shut down the prayer hall has been supported by Premier Chris Minns, who praised the mayor’s leadership in taking decisive action. The council’s spokesperson stated that "our recent surveillance indicates there is a strong suspicion the premises is being used contrary to its intended use." The council has issued a cease use notice, which will be effective immediately, and has warned that further action will be taken if the premises is not complied with. The council’s decision is seen as a significant step in addressing the issue of illegal prayer halls and ensuring that all premises are operating in accordance with the law.
The Response from the Al Madina Group
The Al Madina Group, which manages the site, has questioned the timing and motivation behind the council’s order. In a statement, the company said that it had acted in good faith and was under the reasonable impression that no development application was required, given that the former organization AMDC had operated at the same location for nearly four years without issue or enforcement action. The company also stated that Mr. Haddad’s involvement was limited to occasional invitations as a guest speaker, and that he did not have any involvement in the operation of the site. However, the council’s spokesperson has stated that the decision to shut down the prayer hall was made after a thorough review of the premises and its activities.
The Importance of Community Leadership
The issue highlights the importance of community leadership in addressing issues of concern. Premier Chris Minns praised the mayor’s leadership in taking decisive action, stating that "this is a kind of leadership that we need right now." The mayor’s decision to shut down the prayer hall demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that all premises are operating in accordance with the law and that the community is protected. The issue also highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and monitoring of premises to ensure that they are being used for their intended purpose.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the City of Canterbury Bankstown Council’s decision to shut down the Bankstown Al Madina Dawah Centre is a significant step in addressing the issue of illegal prayer halls. The link to notorious Islamic preacher Wisam Haddad and the potential risks associated with the premises highlight the importance of community leadership and decisive action. The council’s decision has been supported by Premier Chris Minns, and the issue serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing surveillance and monitoring of premises to ensure that they are being used for their intended purpose. The Al Madina Group’s response to the council’s order raises questions about the timing and motivation behind the decision, and further investigation is needed to determine the facts of the matter. Ultimately, the community’s safety and well-being must be the top priority, and all premises must be held to the same standards and regulations.
