Many have questioned the religious motivations behind of the Church of Scientology since its inception in 1953, particularly because the founder was American science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard.

It’s been labeled a dangerous cult by the French Government and is under investigation by German security organisations.

But this week in parliament, independent Senator Nick Xenophon called the Church of Scientology a criminal organisation, and produced written allegations of illegal activity.

Several former church members told the Senator that they had witnessed false imprisonment, coerced abortions, physical violence, intimidation and blackmail within the church

Xenophon has called for a Senate inquiry into the Church and has questioned its tax free status.

2SER's Rebecca Leaver spoke to Raphael Aron, the Director of “Cult Counselling Australia”, an organisation which assists cult victims and their families.