Peter Lyndon-James, founder and CEO of Shalom House—Australia’s largest residential rehabilitation—has resigned after persistent allegations. He would like the ability to speak his conscience about immigration policy without endangering the religious charity’s purpose. This decision comes after years of contentious debate over the fate of Shalom House. The Christian-based registered charity has fought legal battles and returned fire on the community’s opposition for more than a dozen years. Lyndon-James, a former drug-dealer turned addict who found God, is now one of the most outspoken critics of mass-migration. It makes him feel “muzzled” in expressing his religious beliefs and feels like he can no longer do his job.
Lyndon-James’s resignation is especially noteworthy as he plans to leave, even working until January 1, 2026 to give more notice. He insists that departure has now afforded him the liberty to pursue his passions. In this manner, he’s able to do so without impacting the work of Shalom House. His words came after he issued a full apology to Australia’s immigrant communities for any pain he had caused them. He begged for their forgiveness and insisted that his opinions do not reflect those of the organization.
Background of Shalom House
As a result, Shalom House has gained a reputation as one of the strictest rehabilitation centres in Australia. Participants are required to sign over limited power of attorney to the facility enabling the facility to control their money. It does not get any money from the government, subsisting on the support and donations from the community. In recognition of these significant contributions to charity, Lyndon-James has received numerous awards. In 2018, he was named WA Local Hero of the year during the Australian of the Year awards.
The organization’s history is littered with cringe-worthy controversies. Among these are ongoing arguments with municipal authorities and residents over its day-to-day running. Despite these challenges, Lyndon-James has continued to advocate for the residents of Shalom House, working intensively with them to address their past failures and establish future goals.
“Wearing his hard-knock heart on his sleeve, Peter works intensively with program residents to help them face their demons, identify past failures and establish future goals.” – Australian of the Year awards tribute
Lyndon-James’s Stance on Immigration
Lyndon-James has been a key figure against the state’s prominent anti-immigration rallies that have recently emerged across Western Australia. He is careful to say that his concerns are not directed against immigration per se. Instead, he goes after the real or imagined “mass migration” menace. He contends that contemporary immigration enforcement is a marked departure from past practices and one that has profoundly damaging implications for Australian society.
He has publicly stated that he believes “our government is not listening to the voices of Australians,” emphasizing a growing disconnect between leadership and the public’s concerns.
“Mass migration is not ok and I feel that I must speak out against it.” – Peter Lyndon-James
While Lyndon-James steps aside from Shalom House, he remains committed to advocating for what he perceives as necessary changes in immigration policy. He plans to continue holding seminars across the state where he discusses work and life issues, engaging with community members to share his views.
As he transitions away from his role at Shalom House, he encourages constructive feedback from the community:
“Therefore I can no longer work in the role with a muzzle on me when the passion to speak out is so strong within me.” – Peter Lyndon-James
Future Plans and Community Impact
While Lyndon-James steps aside from Shalom House, he remains committed to advocating for what he perceives as necessary changes in immigration policy. He plans to continue holding seminars across the state where he discusses work and life issues, engaging with community members to share his views.
Lyndon-James also addressed potential criticisms of his actions, stating:
“I wish to make it clear that these views are my personal opinions and not the views of Shalom House as an organisation.” – Peter Lyndon-James
As he transitions away from his role at Shalom House, he encourages constructive feedback from the community:
“If you find things that we’re not doing that we should be doing, help us to see what we can’t see, so we can implement [it].” – Peter Lyndon-James
