Charity Stripped of Registration After Allegations Involving Sydney Preacher

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A Sydney-based religious group, Dawah Van Incorporated, has had its charity status revoked by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) following concerns raised in an investigative report. The decision, made in June 2025, came two months after an ABC Four Corners investigation highlighted potentially harmful conduct linked to the organisation’s street preaching operations.

Founded in 2022, Dawah Van was established as a charity engaged in Islamic outreach activities in central Sydney. The group came under scrutiny after footage aired on Four Corners showed preacher Wisam Haddad speaking publicly alongside Wassim Fayad, a man previously convicted on terrorism-related charges and formerly associated with recruitment efforts for the Islamic State group.

The program featured claims from a former ASIO agent, operating under the pseudonym Marcus, who alleged that young people were being targeted for radicalisation. The program did not present evidence of direct illegal activity by Dawah Van but raised serious concerns about its street preaching methods and associations.

In response, ACNC Commissioner Sue Woodward confirmed the organisation’s registration was revoked. “Revocation of charity registration is the most serious action the ACNC can take,” she stated. “Charities that lose their status are no longer entitled to Commonwealth tax concessions.”

Despite the revocation, Dawah Van may still operate legally, although it is no longer eligible for benefits such as income tax exemptions or GST concessions. The group has also reportedly engaged in fundraising efforts, including for humanitarian causes abroad.

Wisam Haddad, also known publicly as Abu Ousayd, has denied any involvement in terrorism or extremist activity. His lawyer, Elias Tabchouri, stated that Haddad is cooperating with authorities and has rejected claims linking the group to radical networks.

Haddad has faced public scrutiny in the past. In a Federal Court ruling in 2024, he was found to have breached the Racial Discrimination Act by delivering speeches that were considered antisemitic. He was formerly involved with the now-defunct Al-Risalah Islamic Centre, which had been previously investigated for ties to individuals linked to terrorism cases.

Commenting on the broader implications, Dr Kim Weinert, a charity law expert at the University of Queensland, raised concerns about the regulatory system. “This case raises serious questions about how some organisations with controversial or risky activities manage to obtain charitable status,” she said. She also noted the ACNC’s limited resourcing as a potential factor.

The ACNC has not announced whether it will pursue further reviews of similar organisations but said it continues to monitor risks within the charity sector.