Colin Ambler/cvnznews.com.
The Victorian Parliament has tabled its final report into the recruitment methods and impacts of cults and coercive high‑control groups, delivering 39 recommendations aimed at protecting vulnerable people.
The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has welcomed the courage of victim‑survivors who gave evidence and supports stronger safeguards against coercive and controlling conduct. But the organisation says the report falls short of protecting mainstream religious freedom.
ACL’s key concern centres on the proposed creation of a new offence targeting “coercive high‑control groups.” The report refers the matter to the Victorian Law Reform Commission, with potential criminalisation by 2029. However, ACL warns that the conduct to be captured remains undefined — leaving churches and legitimate faith communities exposed to subjective interpretation rather than clear legal standards.
“The report suggests reforms should distinguish organisations by behaviours rather than beliefs,” ACL noted. “But for many faith communities, beliefs and practices are inseparable. Trying to separate them risks mischaracterising legitimate religious expression.”
The lobby group also raised concerns about recommendations to review homeschooling and to establish victim‑survivor‑led advisory bodies. It argues that homeschooling is a lawful educational choice reflecting parents’ right to direct their children’s education, and should not be stigmatised without evidence of coercion.
ACL says any advisory body should include representatives from mainstream Christian denominations to ensure balanced advice that weighs religious freedom alongside child protection.
In its submission to the inquiry, ACL argued that the conduct at issue — assault, sexual offences, and fraud — is already criminal under existing law. The priority, it said, should be enforcement, awareness, and properly resourced survivor support rather than new offences of uncertain scope.
The Victorian Government now has six months to respond. ACL is urging lawmakers to strike a balance between protecting people from genuine cults and safeguarding fundamental freedoms — insisting that both objectives can coexist.
