Scientology is a criminal organisation
- Xenophon calls Scientology “criminal”
- Says people have told him of crimes
- Church accuses Xenophon of “outrageous abuse”
INDEPENDENT Senator Nick Xenophon
has accused the Church of Scientology of being a “two-faced, criminal
organisation” hiding behind religious beliefs to get rich.
He
has told Parliament he has been contacted by a number of former
Scientologists, after he questioned the tax exempt status given to the
organisation, which has has said “turns supporters into victims in its
pursuit of power and wealth”.
“They have provided long and detailed letters to me about the
workings of this organisation,” he told the Senate yesterday. “These
people rightly see themselves as victims of Scientology.”
Senator Xenophon
has tabled the letters in the Senate. They accuse the organisation of
a range of crimes, including forced imprisonment, coerced abortions,
embezzlement of church funds, physical violence, intimidation and
blackmail.
The Church of Scientology released a statement accusing Senator Xenophon of an “outrageous” abuse of parliamentary privilege and later said they would work with police in any investigations that arose from the allegations.
Read more…Senator Nick Xenophon says Scientology is ‘a criminal organisation’ | National News | News.com.au
Categories: Headline Tags: church of scientology, nick xenophon, scientologists
Senators Steve Fielding, Nick Xenophon ready to halt Kevin Rudd’s stimulus package
SENATORS Steve Fielding and Nick Xenophon have warned the Federal Government they are unlikely to support its $42 billion stimulus package unless changes are made.
Family First’s Senator Fielding has demanded the Government negotiate with crossbench senators.
“If the Prime Minister wishes me to vote for this $42bn package, he should take a more conciliatory approach and welcome ideas from the crossbenches,” Senator Fielding wrote.
“I look forward to his response.”
Senator Fielding was not immediately available for comment on his 2300-word statement, which quotes from British liberal philosopher Isaiah Berlin and Nobel Prize winning economist Amartya Sen among others.
Independent Senator Xenophon has also rallied against the package.
“I think if you’re serious about a stimulus package you need to look at a nation building approach that would have long-term benefits for Australia,” he said.
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Alternative package proposed by Turnbull a backward economy
THE AUSTRALIAN economy would be at greater risk of going backwards under the alternative rescue package proposed by Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull, according to the nation’s chief economic adviser.
In a blow to Mr Turnbull, Treasury Secretary Ken Henry last night said that a smaller stimulus package than the $42 billion plan proposed by the Federal Government would increase the prospect of the economy stalling.
He was speaking at a hastily convened Senate inquiry called after Mr Turnbull said he would try to block the biggest financial boost in Australian history.
Mr Turnbull has proposed a smaller package of about $20 billion, including tax cuts, and accused Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of plunging the country into massive debt.
Asked by Greens Senator Bob Brown what would happen if the package was half the size, Dr Henry said: “There would be greater risk of negative growth at some point.”
Read full story…Turnbull plan ‘risk to growth’ | theage.com.au
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