Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee
Inquiry into the recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organised fringe groups
Snapshot of inquiry
The Committee is looking into cults and fringe groups in Victoria—how they recruit and control people—and will report back by 30 September 2026. This inquiry is not about judging anyone’s beliefs—it’s about protecting people from harm. We want to understand whether current laws are strong enough to deal with groups that use manipulation or control in ways that can seriously hurt people.
Terms of Reference
That this House refers an inquiry into cults and organised fringe groups in Victoria, the methods used to recruit and control their members and the impacts of coercive control to the Legal and Social Issues Standing Committee for consideration and report no later than 30 September 2026.
A cult is best understood as a group defined not by its beliefs, but by its behaviour. While the term is sometimes applied to fringe religious, spiritual, or ideological movements, it more accurately refers to groups that use manipulative or controlling tactics to dominate members. Cults typically demand excessive loyalty to a leader or cause and employ various harmful coercive techniques that can harm individuals emotionally, psychologically, financially, or even physically.
What is a ‘cult’/‘organised fringe group’?
Rather than focusing on what a group believes, cults are identified by how they operate. Common behaviours or actions cults may exhibit include:
- isolating members from friends and family
- demanding total obedience and punishing members for perceived disobedience
- using guilt or fear to control thinking
- suppressing individuality
- abusive behaviours, including financial, psychological, physical and/or sexual abuse
- other coercive control behaviours.
These patterns of behaviour—not a group’s ideology—are what distinguish cults from other groups. Some small or lesser-known religious groups, including minor yet mainstream faiths that may seem unfamiliar or 'strange' to outsiders, have at times been inaccurately labelled as cults—despite lacking the harmful behaviours typically associated with that term—highlighting how the label can be misapplied due to misunderstanding or stigma. These groups are not the focus of this inquiry.
The Committee understands the term organised fringe groups to include groups that employ cult-like tactics, but which may not necessarily be theologically based or religious in nature.
Read the Committee’s guidance note for more information.
Community input
Submissions
Submissions can be made online until 31 July 2025.
Share your experience
If you or someone close to you has been affected by a cult or fringe group, the Committee invites you to share your experience through our anonymous questionnaire.
Your story—told in your own words—can help us understand the real impacts of these groups and what supports or changes may be needed to protect others in future.
The questionnaire is open until 31 July 2025.
What’s next?
The Committee will hold public hearings to gather evidence from individuals and organisations. A final report to parliament is due by 30 September 2026.
Referral information
It can be challenging to share or talk about personal experiences.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact 000.
If you require any support, the following support services are available:
Lifeline – Call 13 11 14, available 24/7, or visit Lifeline.org.au.
Kids Helpline – Call 1800 55 1800, available 24/7, or visit KidsHelpline.com.au
Blue Knot Helpline and Redress Support Service –
if you or someone you care about is living with the effects of abuse, neglect, violence or exploitation – Call 1300 657 380, available 9 am to 5 pm 7 days a week, or visit BlueKnot.org.au.
Contact us
Write
Parliament of Victoria
Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee
Parliament House
Spring Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002
Telephone
If your enquiry relates to the inquiry into cults and organised fringe groups, please call: 03 8682 2628
If you have a general enquiry, call: 03 8682 2843.