Overview
- The council issued an immediate cease‑use directive after surveillance and photographic evidence suggested the premises was operating as a prayer hall without approval.
- Premier Chris Minns endorsed the action and signalled further operations using planning and hate‑speech laws could follow.
- The Al Madina Group says the centre is under new management and asserts Wissam Haddad holds no operational role, describing him as an occasional guest speaker.
- A Federal Court ruling in July found three of Haddad’s 2023 sermons breached the Racial Discrimination Act, and officials have reported the alleged Bondi gunman was a follower; Haddad denies any knowledge or involvement in the attack.
- Council notes a prior cease‑use order for a Georges Hall site linked to Haddad and warns non‑compliance now could attract fines of $3,000 for individuals and $6,000 for corporations, with notices also issued to the property owner.