Cultic groups often operate under the guise of religious or philosophical freedom, however their actions may trigger various criminal and civil statutes. Cult leaders and cultic groups may contravene various International, Australian, or State Legislations. The following examples from Commonwealth and New South Wales (NSW) Acts illustrate how standard criminal and civil laws apply to cultic environments.

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Coercive Control & Personal Safety

In recent years, Australian law has evolved to recognise that psychological patterns of control are as damaging as physical violence.

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• Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022 (NSW):

  • s 54D: Created a specific offence for a current or former intimate partner to engage in a "course of conduct" that is coercive or controlling. While currently focused on domestic relationships, many cult dynamics mirror these behaviors.

• Crimes Act 1900 (NSW):

  • Part 3 Division 10A (Stalking and Intimidation): s 13 of the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW) prohibits stalking or intimidation with the intent to cause fear of physical or mental harm.

  • Part 3 Division 1 (Homicide): s 18 (Murder/Manslaughter) in extreme cases of medical neglect or "faith healing" deaths.​​

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Crimes Against Children & Vulnerable Persons

Cultic environments often involve the isolation of children from mainstream education, healthcare, and safety standards.

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• Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW):

  • s 227: Child abuse or neglect.

  • s 154: Failing to provide for a child’s education or medical needs.

• Crimes Act 1900 (NSW):

  • Part 3 Division 15 (Sexual Offences): Including s 61I (Sexual assault) and s 66A-EB (Offences against children), particularly relevant where "spiritual" authority is used to bypass consent.

  • s 43A: Failure of persons with parental responsibility to provide the necessities of life.

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Financial Exploitation & Civil Protections

Beyond criminal fraud, cults often use "unconscionable conduct" to strip members of assets.

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• Civil Remedies - The Doctrine of Undue Influence:

  • While not an "Act," this is a critical legal principle used in Australian courts to overturn "gifts" or contracts where a leader has used their position of power to overcome a follower's free will (e.g., Hartigan v International Society for Krishna Consciousness).

• Charities Act 2013 (Cth):

  • Provides the framework for "Disqualifying Acts." If a group’s purpose is contrary to public policy or they engage in unlawful activities, they may lose their charitable/tax-exempt status through the ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission).

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Health and Medical Misinformation

• Health Care Complaints Act 1993 (NSW):

  • Used against cult leaders who provide "unregistered" health services or discourage members from seeking life-saving medical treatment.

• Public Health Act 2010 (NSW):

  • Relating to the risk of significant harm to public health through the spread of disease or refusal of mandatory protocols.

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Financial Crimes & Fraud (Commonwealth)

These federal laws are often used when groups misrepresent their purpose to gain money or benefits from the government.

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• Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth):

  • s 134.2(1): Obtaining a financial advantage by deception.

  • s 135.4(3): Dishonestly causing a loss to the Commonwealth (e.g., welfare or grant fraud).

• Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth):

  • Prohibits false or misleading representations, misleading and deceptive conduct, and unconscionable conduct in trade or commerce.​​

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Crimes Against the Person (NSW)

Physical discipline, "deliverance" rituals, or forced confinement fall under these violent offence categories.

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• Crimes Act 1900 (NSW):

  • Part 3 Division 9 s 61: Common assault.

  • Part 3 Division 8 s 59(1): Assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

  • Part 3 Division 8 s 59(2): Assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company (multiple people involved in the assault).

  • Part 3 Division 14 s 86(1)(b): Detaining a person for advantage (Kidnapping).

  • Part 3 Division 14A: Procuring for prostitution (s 91A) or procuring a person by use of drugs (s 91B).

  • Part 14A Division 2 s 545B(1): Intimidation or annoyance by violence or otherwise to compel or prevent an act.

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Fraud & Property Offences (NSW)

These sections address the "stripping" of assets and the use of lies to secure property or money from followers.

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• Crimes Act 1900 (NSW):

  • Part 4 Division 5 s 116: Larceny (Theft).

  • Part 4AA Division 1: Definitions of Deception (s 192B) and obtaining financial advantage or causing disadvantage (s 192D).

  • Part 4AA Division 2 s 192E: Fraud—Dishonestly obtaining property or financial advantage by deception.

  • Part 4AA Division 2 s 192G: Intention to defraud by false or misleading statements.

  • Part 4AA Division 2 s 192H(1): False or misleading statements by an officer of an organisation to deceive members or creditors.

  • Part 4AD Division 2 s 195(1): Maliciously destroying or damaging property.

  • Part 4B s 249K(1)(a): Blackmail (making unwarranted demands with menaces).

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False Information & Documentation (NSW)

Used when groups provide false details to authorities to maintain their status or hide their activities.

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• Crimes Act 1900 (NSW):

  • Part 5A s 307A(1): False or misleading applications.

  • Part 5A s 307B(1): Providing false or misleading information.

  • Part 5A s 307C(1): Producing false or misleading documents.

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WORKPLACE & LABOUR EXPLOITATION

 

Many cultic groups rely on the unpaid or underpaid labor of their members under the guise of "service." Cultic groups often require members to work in businesses, on farms, or in administrative roles without fair pay. Under both Commonwealth and NSW State legislation, these practices are often unlawful.

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Commonwealth Framework (Fair Work)

The federal system provides the baseline for minimum employment standards across Australia.

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• Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 (Cth):

  • Relates to the exploitation of members working for a leader or group without receiving adequate remuneration, annual leave loading, or mandatory superannuation contributions.

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NSW Industrial Relations Framework

The Industrial Relations Act 1996 (NSW) provides robust protections to ensure that people are not exploited under the guise of "informal" arrangements.

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Who is an Employee? (Section 5 & 7)

The law looks at the reality of the work, not just the title given by the cult leader.

• General Definition: An employee is any person employed in an industry, whether paid by salary, wages, or piece-work rates.

• Definition of Industry: Includes any trade, manufacture, business, project, or occupation in which persons work. If a cult runs a cafe, a cleaning business, or a construction project, they are operating in an "industry."

• Deemed Employees (Schedule 1): Certain roles are automatically "taken to be employees" regardless of what the contract says. For example:

  • Cleaners: Anyone performing cleaning work (other than the owner/occupier) is legally an employee, and the person in charge is legally the employer.

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Unfair & Unconscionable Contracts (Part 9)

Cult leaders often use "arrangements" or "collateral agreements" to bypass standard employment laws. Under Section 105, a contract is considered an Unfair Contract if it:

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• Is unfair, harsh, or unconscionable.

• Is against the public interest.

• Provides remuneration less than what a standard employee would receive for the same work.

• Is designed to avoid the provisions of an industrial instrument (like an Award).

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The Right to be Paid in Money (Part 10)

A common tactic in cultic groups is "paying" members in food, shelter, or "spiritual credits." The Act strictly forbids this.

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• Section 117 (Payment in Money): Remuneration must be paid in money (cash, cheque, or electronic transfer into the employee’s account).

• Section 118 (Payment in Full): An employer must not make deductions for "goods, board, or lodging" supplied by the employer as part of the pay. You cannot be forced to work for a bed and a meal.

• Section 123 (Pay Slips): Written particulars (pay slips) must be supplied whenever remuneration is paid.

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Superannuation & Record Keeping

• Section 124 (Superannuation): Employers are required to pay contributions into a complying superannuation fund for the benefit of the employee.

• Section 129 (Mandatory Records): Employers must keep daily records of hours worked and remuneration paid. These records must be kept for at least 6 years. Failure to keep these records is a criminal offence.

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Summary for Survivors & Families

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If a group is requiring "service" or "volunteering" that involves regular hours, supervised tasks, or work that generates income for the leader/group, it may constitute an employment relationship.

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Key Red Flags:

• Being paid "in-kind" (food/accommodation) instead of a bank transfer.

• No superannuation contributions being made to a fund in your name.

• Being told that "spiritual service" exempts the group from minimum wage laws.

• A lack of formal pay slips or records of hours worked.

 

*If you believe you are being exploited in a workplace capacity within a cultic group, you can contact Fair Work Australia or the NSW Industrial Relations Commission for advice. Under the law, "voluntary" agreements made under duress or unconscionable influence are often legally void.

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How to Report Workplace & Labour Exploitation

The Fair Work Ombudsman (Federal)

The Fair Work Ombudsman is the primary agency for most private-sector employees in Australia. They handle matters relating to underpayment, pay slips, leave entitlements, and general workplace rights.

 

• Infrequent or General Enquiries: 13 13 94 (8:00 am – 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday).

   

• Anonymous Reporting: If you wish to report a group's practices without revealing your identity, you can use their Anonymous Tip-off Tool.

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NSW Industrial Relations (State)

NSW Industrial Relations typically oversees employees in the NSW public sector and local government, as well as specific "deemed employee" categories (like certain cleaning or clothing trades) within the state.

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• Complaints and Information: 131 628 (9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday).

• Online Complaint Form: You can lodge a formal complaint regarding unpaid entitlements or unfair contracts via their online portal.

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MODERN SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

 

Modern Slavery & Modern Servitude

Cults often demand "volunteer" labor that crosses the line into exploitation or forced labor.​

 

Divisions 270 and 271 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) constitute Australia’s primary legislative framework for combating modern slavery. These divisions were significantly overhauled by the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Slavery, Slavery-like Conditions and People Trafficking) Act 2013, which strengthened existing offences and introduced new ones like forced marriage and organ trafficking. 

 

Division 270: Slavery and Slavery-like Conditions

This division criminalises conduct where a person is controlled or exploited through ownership-like powers or coercion. 

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• Slavery (s 270.3): Defined as the exercise of any or all powers of ownership over a person. It has universal jurisdiction, meaning it applies even if the conduct occurs entirely outside Australia.

• Servitude (s 270.5): A condition where a person provides labour or services and is not free to stop or leave due to the use of coercion, threats, or deception.

• Forced Labour (s 270.6A): Introduced in 2013, this criminalises conduct that causes a person to provide labour or services because they are not free to cease or leave.

• Deceptive Recruiting (s 270.7): Criminalises deceiving someone about the nature of work they will perform.

• Forced Marriage (s 270.7B): A "slavery-like" practice where a person enters a marriage without full and free consent due to coercion, threat, or deception.

• Debt Bondage (s 270.7C): Moved from Division 271 to 270 in 2013, this occurs when a person's services are pledged as security for a debt in exploitative circumstances. 

 

Aggravated Slavery & Servitude (Commonwealth)

Federal law provides for increased penalties when slavery-like conditions involve specific aggravating factors, such as the exploitation of children or extreme cruelty.

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• Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth):

  • Division 270.8 (Slavery-like offences – aggravated offences): An offence is "aggravated" under this section if:

    • s 270.8(1)(a): The victim is under the age of 18.

    • s 270.8(1)(b): The conduct involves "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment."

    • s 270.8(1)(c): The conduct creates a serious risk to the person’s health or safety.

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Division 271: Trafficking in Persons 

This division focuses on the movement and control of people for the purpose of exploitation. 

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• Trafficking in Persons (s 271.2): Criminalises the recruitment, transport, or receipt of a person using coercion, threats, or deception for exploitation.

• Child Trafficking (s 271.4): Specifically targets trafficking of victims under 18, carrying higher penalties.

• Domestic Trafficking (s 271.5): Covers the movement and exploitation of people within Australia.

• Organ Trafficking (s 271.7B): A standalone offence introduced in 2013 involving the movement of a person for unlawful organ removal.

• Harbouring a Victim (s 271.7H): Criminalises hiding or concealing a victim of trafficking to further their exploitation. 

 

The Role of "Coercion"

Under Section 270.1A, "coercion" is defined broadly to include not just physical force, but also psychological oppression, abuse of power, or taking advantage of a person’s vulnerability. This is often the "missing link" in explaining how cult leaders maintain control without physical bars.

 

The Legal Definition of "Exploitation"

Under Australian Federal Law (Criminal Code Act 1995, s 271.1), "exploitation" is the foundational element for human trafficking and slavery-like offences. It is broadly categorized into two main streams:

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Forced Labour

This refers to situations where a person is coerced into providing labor or services. In a cultic environment, this often manifests as:

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• "Service" or "Volunteering": Members are required to work long hours in group-owned businesses (cafes, farms, cleaning services) for little to no pay.

• Maintenance of the Group: Members are coerced into performing domestic or administrative duties under the guise of "spiritual discipline."

• Restriction of Choice: The exploitation occurs when the person feels they cannot leave or stop working due to psychological threats, "karmic" consequences, or fear of excommunication.

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Sexual Exploitation

This occurs when a person is used for sexual purposes through the abuse of power, deception, or coercion. Within cultic dynamics, this may include:

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• "Spiritual" Marriage or Pairing: Leaders using their perceived divine authority to gain sexual access to members.

• Ritualised Abuse: Sexual acts framed as "healing," "cleansing," or "initiations."

• Procuring: Forcing or deceiving members into providing sexual services to others to generate income for the group (NSW Crimes Act s 91A).

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Key Legal Provisions

• Irrelevance of "Consent": Under sections 270.11 and 271.11B, a victim's consent or acquiescence is not a defence if coercion, threats, or deception were used.

• Extended Jurisdiction: These laws often apply to Australian citizens, residents, or corporations even for conduct that occurs outside Australia.

• Penalties: Maximum penalties range from 4 years for debt bondage to 25 years for slavery and child trafficking. 

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Modern Slavery & Exploitation (Commonwealth) - Expanded Definition

The Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) reflects international standards to criminalize slavery-like practices. Importantly, Australian law recognizes that physical chains are not required to meet the definition of slavery; psychological and contractual control are sufficient.

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• Division 270 - Slavery:

  • Defined in accordance with the 1926 Slavery Convention.

  • Legal Precedent (The Queen v Tang [2008] HCA 39): The High Court of Australia ruled that slavery is not limited to "chattel slavery" (historical ownership). It found that slavery exists when a leader or group exercises "powers of ownership," including:

    • The power to make a person an object of purchase or sale.

    • The capacity to use a person in a substantially unrestricted manner.

    • The power to control and restrict movements.

    • The power to use services without commensurate compensation.

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• Section 270.4 - Servitude:

  • Defines the condition of a person who provides labor or services but, due to coercion, threat, or deception, does not consider themselves:

    • (a) Free to cease providing labor or services; or

    • (b) Free to leave the place where the labor is provided; and

    • (c) Is significantly deprived of personal freedom.

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• Section 270.6 - Forced Labour:

  • Forced labour occurs when a person provides services and, due to coercion, threat, or deception, does not consider themselves:

    • (a) Free to cease providing labor or services; or

    • (b) Free to leave the place where the labor is provided.

  • Note: Unlike servitude, forced labour does not strictly require the "significant deprivation of personal freedom" outside of the work context, making it a broader category.

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• Section 270.7 - Debt Bondage:

  • Occurs when a person pledges their services (or another's services) as security for a debt, where:

    • The reasonable value of those services is not applied toward the debt; or

    • The length and nature of the services are not defined.

  • In cultic contexts, this often applies when members are told they must "work off" a debt for courses, housing, or "spiritual processing."​

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Signs a Person May Be A Victim of Trafficking: 

Found on the Australian Federal Police (AFP) website:

 

The following points may indicate that a person is a victim of human trafficking, slavery or slavery-like practices:

• the person appears to be servicing a large debt to their employer or a third party;

• the person does not possess their passport or travel/identity documents, which are with their employer or a third party, and the person is unable to access these documents when they wish to do so;

• the person does not have a labour or employment contract/agreement , or they do not understand the terms or conditions of their employment;

• the person is unable to terminate their employment at any time;

• the person never or rarely leave their accommodation for non-work reasons;

• the person is living at the place of work or another place owned or controlled by their employer;

• the person has little or no money or no access to their earnings;

• the person has physical injuries which may have resulted for assault, harsh treatment or unsafe work practices;

• the person is always in the presence of their employer, who does not want or allow the worker to socialise with others;

• the person works excessively long hours and have few, if any, days off.

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Read more: Human trafficking and slavery indicators​​​

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VIOLENT EXTREMISM AND TERRORISM​

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Many high-control groups use "us vs. them" rhetoric that can escalate into violent extremism. While many cultic groups remain insular, some adopt ideologies that justify the use of fear, intimidation, or violence to achieve their goals.

 

If a group begins to stockpile weapons, advocates for the overthrow of "corrupt" governments, or uses threats of violence to keep members in line or to influence the community, they move from being a "private group" into the territory of Commonwealth National Security Offences. In Australia, these activities are monitored under specific national security frameworks.

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Defining Violent Extremism

The Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department defines violent extremism as:

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"The beliefs and actions of people who support or use violence to achieve ideological, religious or political goals. This includes terrorism and other forms of politically motivated and communal violence."

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Key Characteristics:

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• Seeking change through fear and intimidation rather than peaceful or democratic means.

• The justification of terror or violence to achieve ideological, political, or social change.

• Acting upon these justifications through organized or "lone-actor" conduct.

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ASIO Categories of Threat

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) categorises violent extremism into two primary streams. Cultic groups often blur the lines between these two:

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Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism (IMVE)

This denotes support for violence to achieve political outcomes or in response to specific social grievances. Common motivations include:

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• Nationalist and Racist: Extremism centered on identity or racial supremacy.

• Anarchist and Revolutionary: Desires to overthow established government systems.

• Specific Issue: Violence centered on a single cause (e.g., anti-technology, extreme environmentalism).

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Religiously Motivated Violent Extremism (RMVE)

This denotes support for violence to oppose or achieve a specific social, political, or legal system based on a particular religious interpretation. This is most relevant to "doomsday" cults or groups claiming divine mandate to ignore secular laws.

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The "Mixed" or "Uncategorized" Threat

ASIO has noted a growing trend of individuals and groups that do not fit neatly into the "Left-Right" political spectrum. These are often motivated by:

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• Fear of societal collapse (Prepper/Survivalist cults).

• Specific economic grievances.

• Conspiracy theories (e.g., "Sovereign Citizen" movements or QAnon-adjacent groups).

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Terrorism & The Criminal Code

"Terrorist acts" are formally defined and criminalised under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). For a group’s actions to be classified as terrorism, they must meet specific criteria:

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• Motivation: The act or threat of violence is done to advance a political, ideological, or religious cause (either in Australia or overseas).

• Intention: The act is intended to coerce or influence a government by intimidation, or to intimidate the public (or a section of the public).

• Related Offences: The Code also criminalises:

  • Being a member of a terrorist organisation.

  • Providing or receiving training connected with terrorist acts.

  • Possessing documents or "instructional material" that provides guidance on committing terrorist acts.​​

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Reporting Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking to the AFP

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Assist the AFP in combating this global problem. Use our online form to report information regarding human trafficking for the purposes of sexual and/or labour exploitation, organ harvesting, forced marriage and slavery or call 131 AFP (131237).

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An Australian Government Department or Agency can make a report of an allegation of criminal conduct to the AFP National Operations State Service Centre (NOSSC).

In case of an emergency, call 000.

 

If you are a victim of trafficking or know someone who is, contact the AFP on 131AFP (131237) or use the online form to report information regarding human trafficking.

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Reporting Violent Extremism and Terrorism to ASIO​

 

Reporting Concerns & National Security

If you have information regarding suspicious activity, possible signs of violent extremism, or threats to national security involving a cultic group, it is vital to report them to the correct authorities. In Australia, these matters are handled by specialised agencies that treat all reports with a high level of confidentiality.

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How to Report to the National Security Hotline (NSH)

The National Security Hotline is the primary point of contact for the public to report any activity that seems suspicious or may be related to terrorism or violent extremism.

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• Phone (within Australia): 1800 123 400

• Phone (from overseas): +61 1300 1234 01

• SMS: 0498 562 549

• Email: hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au

• Online Portal: nationalsecurity.gov.au

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Contacting ASIO Directly

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) is responsible for protecting the nation from threats such as espionage, sabotage, and violent extremism. You can provide information directly via their dedicated channels:

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• ASIO Public Reception: 1800 020 648

• General Enquiries: 13 ASIO (13 27 46)

• NITRO Portal: nitro.asio.gov.au (The National Incident Threat Reporting and Oversight portal for reporting specific security incidents).

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When to Call Triple Zero (000)

The National Security Hotline and ASIO are for gathering intelligence and investigating long-term threats. If there is an immediate threat to life, a crime currently in progress, or an emergency situation, you must contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.

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Why Reporting is Essential

Cultic groups often rely on secrecy and the isolation of their members to flourish. By reporting "grooming" behaviours toward violent ideologies or the stockpiling of resources for extremist purposes, you are helping authorities intervene before a group transitions from a high-control environment to a physical threat to the community.

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*You do not need to be certain that a crime has been committed to make a report. Small pieces of information, when combined with other data, can help authorities form a clearer picture of a group's activities.