Rudd 'concerned' over Scientology

18 November 2009 | 11:51:04 AM | Source: AAP

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Senator Xenophon has told parliament there is criminal activity within the Church of Scientology in Australia and has called for a Senate inquiry into its tax exempt status. (AAP)

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says he has concerns about the Church of Scientology but wants to see what material independent senator Nick Xenophon has before committing to a parliamentary inquiry.

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Senator Xenophon told parliament on Tuesday there was criminal activity within the church and has called for a Senate inquiry into Scientology's tax exempt status.

Senator Xenophon has also called for police to investigate the church after being contacted by a number of former Scientologists who accused the organisation of shocking crimes.

Senator Xenophon said their correspondence implicated the organisation in a range of crimes, including forced imprisonment, coerced abortions, physical violence, and blackmail.

Asked about the senator's claims, Mr Rudd described them as "grave allegations".

"Many people in Australia have real concerns about Scientology," Mr Rudd told reporters at Bungendore in NSW on Wednesday.

"I share some of those concerns. Let us proceed carefully and look carefully at the material he has provided before we make a decision on further parliamentary action."

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Your Comments

19 Nov 2009 17:17 AEST

Fair

From: doncaster

so called church of scientology

As far as I am concerned the can believe in anything they like as long as they are not tax exempt.

Agree (4 people agree)
Disagree (1 people disagree)
 

18 Nov 2009 20:08 AEST

oncewas

From: bribie island

scientology

their belief system beggars belief. it is not a reiigion and should get no concessions. indeed should any of them?

Agree (10 people agree)
Disagree (0 people disagree)
 

18 Nov 2009 16:16 AEST

Gregg Savage

From: Brisbane

I am concerned, also.

In Australia, you have the right to forgo your critical facilities and believe in and practice any religion you like. What should be done, however, when individuals sacrifice their critical thought to the extent where they can justify (allegedly) forced imprisonment, etc.? Before today’s allegations, however, most people knew that Scientologists undertake myriad ludicrous practices in the name of their crackpot ideas, so I support the Australian government in fessing up about their concerns.

Agree (11 people agree)
Disagree (2 people disagree)
 

18 Nov 2009 14:44 AEST

Matt

From: Melbourne

I'm 'concerned' about Rudd!

I can't believe the audacity of Rudd prying his nose into what very well may be a concern, but what I am more concerned about is the ear that Rudd offers to the church. What happened to the secular state? There's no such thing in this country, instead we are pacified with religious association apparently. It makes me so angry that certain lobby groups have the ear of the prime minister, the church, the coal industry...democracy is dead in australia, interest groups win. people lose.

Agree (9 people agree)
Disagree (7 people disagree)
 

18 Nov 2009 12:59 AEST

Tobias

From: Adelaide

Be concerned.

A lot of people don't know much about Scientology - it was in fact banned in several Australian states up until the high court decided they weren't allowed to. Many nations around the world including the UK and Canada refuse to recognise it as a religion. There is a lot of information out there - look at the wikipedia articles or take a look at xenu.net for a more critical view.

Agree (20 people agree)
Disagree (1 people disagree)
 

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