Dominic Perrottet’s $10m election pledge for safety of religious communities

Premier Dominic Perrottet has delivered a pre-election pledge to an audience of faith leaders in Sydney’s west — vowing to spend $10m over four years to boost the safety of different religious communities.

Premier Dominic Perrottet has delivered a pre-election pledge to an audience of faith leaders in Sydney’s west — vowing to spend $10m over four years to boost the safety of different religious communities.

Mr Perrottet — a self proclaimed man of faith — said he will continue to protect the right to “freedom of faith” if re-elected.

“We are witnessing an increase in the number of religious-based instances of vilification, racism and violence,” he said.

“No matter where you’re from, what language you speak, or the faith you follow, everyone deserves tolerance and respect in our state.”

The funding will be spend through a grants program designed to support places of worship, religious schools, communities and buildings with religious symbols where there is “a demonstrated risk” to safety.

Dominic Perrottet has vowed to protect the right to “freedom of faith” if re-elected. Picture: NCA NewsWire

The money can be spent on lighting, CCTV, security guards, training for staff and more.

The event held in Parramatta included members from the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Christian communities.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Darren Bark welcomed the funding and said anti-Semitic incidents are at the highest level NSW has ever seen.

The announcement comes after Mr Perrottet survived an internal party hit job which forced him to reveal he dressed in a Nazi uniform at his 21st birthday party.

Mr Perrottet apologised to the Jewish community in the aftermath of the revelations.

“An attack on one faith is an attack on us all, and this much needed funding will go a long way to keeping all communities in NSW safe from harm,” he said.

Mr Perrottet was asked about proposed gay conversion therapy legislation which is being drafted by powerful Independent Alex Greenwich.

The Coalition has agreed to support the bill if re-elected.

Fielding questions on whether the proposed legislation will make it illegal for faith leaders to pray or preach someone who was gay, Mr Perrottet said the laws would ensure harmful practices were prevented while still protecting the right to freedom of religion.

“There is no place for harmful practices in our state. And since these issues have been raised, people have raised with me examples of food deprivation, electroshock therapy, all those practices are wrong and we will move to outlaw them,” he said.

“At the same time, we will not be banning preaching that is fundamental to freedom of religion.”