High-control Organisation and Recommended That Their Leaders Face Criminal Charges, But How Such a Law Might Work Remains

A 15-month Victorian parliamentary inquiry has defined what constitutes a “high-control” organisation and recommended that their leaders face criminal charges, but how such a law might work remains an open question. The inquiry, which received more than 600 submissions, found that these groups – whether religious, commercial, therapeutic or wellness-based – suppress members’ ability to act, think or live independently through coercive control, surveillance, and punishment of questioning. Committee chair Labor MP Ella George said the evidence was “heartbreaking and devastating”.

Former members, including Laura McConnell, who was raised in the ultra-strict Christian sect Two-by-Twos, described struggling to find professionals who understood their experiences. The committee recommended better training for police and child protection workers, and asked the Law Reform Commission to develop a new criminal offence for “group-based coercion”. It also recommended the charities regulator ACNC abolish the “basic religious charity” category, under which many such groups avoid key governance and reporting obligations.

Patrick McIvor, a former member and counsellor, said the development of shared language was the inquiry’s most significant finding. Cassie Davies, born into the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, said the church’s practices suppressed her identity and were “completely emotionally abusive of children”. A church spokesman said the report “has nothing at all to do with our church”