A government inquiry in Australia has received submissions claiming that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as the Mormon Church, functions as a cult and has allegedly exploited a tax loophole to claim up to $750 million in deductions.
The allegations, compiled by Dr Neville Rochow KC, assert that the LDS Church is effectively the only religious organisation in Australia whose members can claim tax deductions on their tithes. The submission also claims the church pressures teenagers with invasive questions regarding their sexual activity, disrupts families, and targets vulnerable individuals for recruitment.
Concerns have also been raised about the church’s impact on Australian farmland, with a US-linked entity purchasing nearly $500 million worth of property across Queensland and New South Wales. Nationals leader David Littleproud warned this could allow foreign-backed organisations to outcompete local farmers, bypassing the usual Foreign Investment Review Board scrutiny.
The LDS Church has responded strongly to the claims, denying any cult-like behaviour, confirming full compliance with tax and charity regulations, and highlighting that it donated over $2 billion to aid projects worldwide last year. The church added that voluntary contributions to LDS Charities Australia are tax-deductible and support humanitarian projects in 55 developing countries.
The government inquiry will examine the church’s recruitment methods, the alleged use of tax benefits, and the broader implications for religious organisations in Australia. The 29-page report detailing the allegations has raised significant public attention about the balance between religious freedom and accountability in charitable and financial practices.
