A group of conservative politicians is making headway towards a ban on topless bathing on some of Australia's best known beaches.

Download the new Independent Premium app Sharing the full story, not just the headlines

Christian lawmaker and veteran morals campaigner Reverend Fred Nile has won backing from key politicians in New South Wales state, home to Sydney and its famed ocean beaches, to tighten existing laws covering nude sunbathing.

The move has provoked strong reaction from easy-going sunworshippers.