Over-emphasizing the authority of their sources is a common anti-cult tactic. Nobody at the Victorian Inquiry double-checked their claims.
Australia
Anti-Cultism Down Under. 2. Dubious Foundations
False quotes of non-existent books are just one problem in the Victorian Inquiry report’s reliance on anti-cult apostate Patrick McIvor, who is mentioned 215 times.
Shincheonji and the Victoria, Australia Inquiry on “Cults”: Apostates, Moral Panics, and Campus Fears
An investigation conditioned by anti-cult bias took rumors, slander, and apostate accounts of the Korean group seriously.
The New South Wales Inquiry into Redeemer Baptist School. 2. Enter Steven Hassan
The anti-cult movement in Australia and internationally has shifted its focus from traditional targets to include conservative Christian groups.
The New South Wales Inquiry into Redeemer Baptist School. 1. “Coercive Control” of Students?
The church is unpopular with other Baptists for its conservative theology, but the use of the “cult” and “brainwashing” rhetoric has dangerous ramifications.
The Victoria, Australia, Inquiry into “Cults”: Why Christians Are Concerned
Freedom for Faith’s Mike Southon describes an Inquiry where the word “cult” is so vaguely described that any church can be a “cult.” He suggests abandoning the use of “cult” entirely.
Jimmy Lai: The (Not So Honorable) Australian Connection
The National Security Law sent the dissident to jail. Australia hosted and honored a trio of Hong Kong National Security Law judges in March 2025.
Victoria, Australia, Inquiry on “Cults”: Moral Panics About “Cults” on Campuses
Australian universities’ warning students about “cults” may end up making them more dangerous for anyone who identifies with a religion.
The Victoria, Australia, Anti-Cult Inquiry: Interview with Professor Keith Thompson
Victoria is not the only part of the world where minority religions are stigmatized and harassed. But is at risk of becoming one of the worst.
The Victoria, Australia, Inquiry on “Cults.” 2. Dangerous for All Religions
What is a “cult”? The term is used in such a loose way that most Australian churches and religious organizations can be targeted.