November Conference to find ways to protect Australians from cults

A conference to be held in Parliament House next month will focus attention on the serious harm caused by cults in Australia.

The Conference - "Cults in Australia: Facing the Realities" - will feature speakers from France and the United Kingdom, who will outline how cult-related issues are handled internationally, as well as high-profile Australians with experience in relevant public policy and legal issues, mental health, and counselling.

It will also hear from ex-members and family members of those currently involved in cults. CIFS Victoria President Peter Flinn says cults and their practices are an increasing concern among politicians, lawyers, health professionals and the general public.

"There are at least three thousand cult groups, small and large, operating within Australia," Mr Flinn said.

"People are recruited into organisations because they seem to offer a better world, but by the time they realise 'it was too good to be true', it's too late and it is much harder to leave the group than it was to join it."

"This is also true of people born into a cult and who grow up knowing nothing else," he said. "If they decide to leave, they lose everything - spouses, children, parents, siblings, friends - and often homes and businesses as well."

"Freedom of religion is a fundamental right in a democratic society, but it cannot be used to justify abuse or threatening behaviour, whether physical, mental, financial or using family relationships, as a weapon."

"Sadly, this abuse is all too frequent, and it has to stop," Mr Flinn said. The Conference will be held on Wednesday 02 November 2011 at Parliament House in Canberra. The Conference begins at 9.00 am and concludes at 4.00 pm.

Attendance is free of charge, but registration is essential. Interested participants should visit www.cifs.org.au and complete the November Conference Registration Form.

For further information, please contact Peter Flinn on 0409 971 841