By Mitchell Clarke
Liberal Gembrook MP Brad Battin has taken to Parliament to call for indoor religious gathering limits to be increased.
Current restrictions allow just 10 worshippers plus one faith leader but the State Government has flagged that number could increase to up to 20 people and a faith leader on Sunday 8 November.
But Mr Battin and a prominent local religious leader wants that figure increased immediately.
“Places of worship are more than places of gatherings on Sundays, they are a place of respite and safe haven for many in our community,” he said.
“Right at this particular time, more than any time in history that I can recall, they need to be open. They need the ability to go and work with their community and have people come in just so they can sit down and have that discussion.
The politician said places of worship should be granted the same restrictions in line with other industries including government.
“We can meet safely in Parliament with 20 people plus staff, there is no reason why places of worship cannot have the same number of people plus the members conducting the service,” he argued.
“Whilst I thoroughly love going down to my local cafe … that is something that is very good for my mental health, but for many people that is a church.
“It could be St Pat’s in Pakenham, St Michael’s in Berwick or it could be the Gurdwara’s in Pakenham or Officer. It doesn’t matter the religion. It matters that they get the opportunity to connect.
“Many in those communities want to have a place they can go and have a discussion in numbers.”
From 28 October, outdoor religious ceremonies were able commence with up to 20 people – as well as those required for the service.
With a number of important cultural celebrations – like Diwali – fast approaching, Officer Sikh temple spokesperson Harpreet Singh believes the number of indoor worshippers should be at least 25 in addition to staff and volunteers.
He said it had been frustrating that bottle shops were able to remain open to all members of the public but places of worship were capped.
“Our volunteers make sure that everyone is temperature checked, masks are worn, people are socially distant and not indoors for longer than five to 10 minutes,” he explained.
“Most of us are suffering massively because of these restrictions. No one thinks about faith groups, everyone focuses on businesses but not faith groups, who also need to remain financially sustainable.”
