Australia is preparing for the next stage of addressing the dangers posed by cults and organized fringe groups. A public inquiry, conducted by the Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee, is currently accepting submissions until the end of July. Ella George, the chair of the advisory committee, emphasizes how important it is to understand the deceptive and confounding strategies employed by these groups. The catch is that most of them do it under the guise of religious or charitable organizations.
Tore Klevjer, president of Cult Information and Family Support Australia. He now passionately argues for legal protection of people affected by cult practices. Yet he has witnessed the devastating harm these actors do to the lives of everyday Americans. Usually, ex-members face severe emotional, psychological and financial damage once they exit. He argues that most of the cult organizations currently in the cult spotlight are actually registered charities in Australia, making things even murkier.
The question will explore the most benefit to especially Black and Brown organizations. On a larger scale, it will analyze how coercive control laws affect the practices of a cult. Australia has no legal definition of a cult. The investigation will focus specifically on organizations that employ useful deceptive practices to entrap and exploit vulnerable individuals.
As the inquiry continues, it is hoped that it will produce an interim report with its findings by the end of September 2026. The committee plans to look at whether our current law does enough to protect people from violence incited by these groups.
“Clearly, religious cults pose a great danger to the fundamental rights and freedoms of many Australians.” – Si Gladman
For Klevjer, it’s most important to focus on practices that have the potential for real harm. He describes how these people, once recruited into these groups, become cut off from their families and communities. Thousands more just give up on their education or their career once they’re engaged. As a consequence, they face incredible challenges reintegrating into society once they are released.
“It pulls their families apart, a lot of times they quit their education, their uni degree, and when they finally leave, quite often, after three or four years, they’ve got to start again so they’re left behind from their peers, their study and their opportunities.” – Tore Klevjer
The inquiry’s terms of reference guide notes that many of the tactics cults use to recruit new sacred workers can be considered coercive. One especially insidious tactic involves their use of front groups to disguise teeth. It needs to be noted that organizations such as Shincheonji and the Geelong Revival Centre are examples of organizations that intentionally cause harm. These acts can lead to profound emotional and psychological trauma for survivors.
George admits that it can be difficult to know what coercive control looks like in this context. She states that the inquiry’s goal is not about judging or questioning anyone’s beliefs but rather understanding whether current laws can adequately address manipulation that causes significant harm.
“There are legitimate concerns about the techniques being used by certain groups to attract and retain members, and whether they amount to coercion that should be criminalised.” – Ella George
Survivors of cults, like the ones profiled on the site, have bravely come forward to share their experiences and raise awareness about coercive practices. Si Gladman, executive director of RSA, praised these people for their bravery in coming forward. He made an observation that is fundamentally true – that these conditions are prevalent in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander society – and like a plague.
“Numerous survivors of cult groups have bravely spoken out about the coercive practices and harm they have been subjected to.” – Si Gladman
The inquiry aims to ensure that those harmed by these organizations have legal recourse similar to protections against deceptive conduct found in consumer protection laws. Klevjer stresses that if an organization conceals or misrepresents its beliefs in ways leading to harm, individuals should have avenues for redress.
“If an organisation is found to have withheld or misrepresented its beliefs in a way that leads to harm, individuals should have legal recourse.” – Tore Klevjer
Despite the absence of a formal definition of a cult in Australia, Klevjer believes the characteristics shared among various groups warrant a closer examination. He points out that a number of these organizations provide a facade of legitimacy by asserting charitable status. Yet, when it counts, they often revert to dirty tricks under the radar.
The inquiry will examine how the right of all people to enjoy freedom of belief should be balanced against possible harm from cultic malignance. The guidance notes underscore an important principle: “Religious freedom does not grant a licence to cause harm.”
Public submissions have been rolling in since the beginning of May and will continue through the end of July. Stakeholders are keen to see a complete investigation into these groups’ operations nationwide. While the inquiry may initially focus on Victoria, Klevjer asserts that many operating across the nation exhibit similar patterns of manipulation and control.
The upcoming report is expected to provide crucial insights into how Australian law might be strengthened to protect individuals from harmful cult practices. As Klevjer points out, getting a handle on these dynamics is vital to creating a safe space for citizens and all the nerds out there.
