Statement by NSW Labor Leader Jodi Mckay MP on places of worship

MAY 28, 2020

(See Translation in Arabic section)

NSW Labor urges the Berejiklian Government to provide a clear timetable for places of worship to reopen with COVID-safe requirements.

I wrote to the Premier on May 8 requesting the NSW Government publish a roadmap to lift restrictions, with the aim of providing places of worship with greater certainty.

Three weeks later, every Australian State and Territory has a roadmap except NSW:

•         From June 1, Victoria will allow up to 20 people at places of worship (50 for funerals)

•         From June 12, Queensland will allow up to 20 people at places of worship (50 for funerals)

The lack of updated information for places of worship in NSW is completely unacceptable – and so is the inconsistency.

If pubs and clubs in NSW can have up to 50 people, why not churches, mosques, synagogues or temples?

Labor recognises the incredible sacrifice made by people of faith in recent months.

In these difficult times, many people will take great solace in accessing their place of worship again.

I can confirm Labor has been contacted by numerous religious communities in recent weeks, seeking our support to ease the public health restrictions.

In other situations, the mandatory “4-square metre rule” approach has proven an effective model to limit transmission.

While large gatherings will not be possible for some time, we believe places of worship deserve the courtesy of a timetable from the Berejiklian Government - combined with more guidance to develop COVID-safe plans.

This will give them time to prepare, communicate with their congregations – and safely resume their profound mission and work.