Response from the Australian Government to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee
This is a response from the Australian Government to the establishment of an agency with similar functions to French MIVILUDES
The full text of the answer can be found here:
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/economics_ctte/public_benefit_test_10/government_response.pdf
One of the recommendations from the Senate Economics Legislation Committee was:
Recommendation 2: The Committee recommends that the Attorney-General's Department provide a report to the Committee on the operation of Miviludes and other law enforcement agencies overseas tasked with the monitoring and controlling the unacceptable and / or illegal activities of cult-like organisations who use psychological pressure and breaches of general and industrial law to maintain control over individuals. The report should advise on the effectiveness of Miviludes and other similar organisations, given issues that need to be addressed to develop an international best practice approach for dealing with cult-like behaviour.
The Government does not support this recommendation
...
Australia is home to a diversity of faiths, united by tolerance, mutual respect and a commitment to democratic traditions. All Australians are free to choose their religion and are able to express and practise their religion and their beliefs, without intimidation and without interference. The Government considers that it is not the Government's role to interfere with the religious beliefs or practices of individuals, unless they are in breach of Australian laws.
States and territories are generally responsible for criminal law enforcement action directed against criminal activity including conduct resulting in physical, emotional and psychological harm perpetrated by members of religious organisations. Law enforcement agencies and Directors of Public Prosecutions are appropriately equipped to deal with allegations of wrongdoing or criminal activity.
State and territory laws also provide for restitution and compensation for victims in certain circumstances, including through victims of crime compensation schemes. Access to such schemes varies depending on specific criteria in the relevant state or territory.
On 8 March 2006, the United Nation Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief releases "Mission to France," addendum two of her report, "Civil and Political Rights, Including the Question of Religious Intolerance" (E/CN.4/2006/5/Add.4). The report concerned France's policies in the late 1990s, during the terms of Miviludes' two predecessors. The Special Rapporteur's finding included a statement that the policies "undermined the right to freedom of religion or belief and raised serious concerns about religious intolerance." The Special Rapporteur indicated an intention to continue to closely monitor Miviludes to ensure its actions remained consistent with the right to freedom of religion and to "avoid past mistakes".
The Government does not propose to provide any further report on the operation of Miviludes and other law enforcement agencies overseas who monitor and/or control "cult-like" activities.
published 10/10/2011
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