Albanese government pledges $50m to bolster security at religious schools, places of worship

The Albanese government has vowed to speed up grants to boost security at religious schools and places of worship as the war between Hamas and Israel sparks new fears.

The Albanese government has bowed to pressure to fast-track grants to improve security at religious schools, places of worship and community centres.

Anthony Albanese has also revealed an extra $10m will be added to the Securing Faith-Based Places program boosting it to $50m.

Applications for the grants of between $25,000 to $500,000 for guards, cameras, lighting and fencing to reduce the risk of crime and violence closed last month.

But the war between Hamas and Israel sparked new safety concerns among Australia’s religious communities.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus says all grants have been awarded through an open, competitive and merit-based process. Picture: Aaron Francis

Opposition multicultural affairs spokesman Jason Wood said the fears had reinforced the need for Anthony Albanese to expedite grant funding to safeguard places including schools, synagogues, mosques and temples with security infrastructure.

Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel on Wednesday asked the Prime Minister when vulnerable institutions in her Bayside seat and surrounds could expect to receive a grant or other support.

Mr Albanese said the government had this week added an extra $10m to the program to ensure that people could live in Australia without fear of violence and discrimination.

“Grants have been approved in every state and territory across different faith communities including, of course, the Jewish community and the Islamic community who are both feeling particularly vulnerable at the moment,” he said.

At least 177 recipients, including more than 60 in Victoria, will receive a share of $50m.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said all grants had been awarded through an open, competitive and merit-based process.