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Step-by-Step Process to Report a Religion for Coercion or Voter Intimidation In Australia

 

Step 1 - Prepare Your Evidence

  • Gather supporting documents, including internal Jehovah’s Witnesses manuals (Shepherd the Flock of God), publications (Keep Yourselves in God’s Love), and, if you have any, testimonies (like your own) that illustrate the allegations of political restrictions and penalties.
  • Highlight the relevant text and take screenshots of the neutrality section in lvs (page 244) and the neutrality section in the elder manual (Chapter 18, Point 3) to send along with the PDFs of both books.
  • Ensure all evidence is legible and organized for easy reference.

 

Step 2 - Identify the Appropriate Authority
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is responsible for overseeing registered charities and ensuring compliance with the Charities Act 2013 (Cth) and governance standards.

Contact Information:

 

Step 3 - Lodge the Complaint Online

  1. Visit the Raise a Concern section on the ACNC website: Raise a Concern.
  2. Fill out the online complaint form, providing as much detail as possible:
    • Your personal details (name, contact information, address).
    • Name of the organization being reported (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia).
    • Description of the issue (refer to the prepared letter above for detailed wording).
    • Attach relevant evidence (scanned documents, photos, or files).
  3. Review and submit the form.

 

Step 4 - Lodge a Complaint via Mail

  1. Draft a formal written complaint (use the example below).
  2. Print and attach all supporting evidence.
  3. Send the complaint to:
    GPO Box 5108, Melbourne VIC 3001

 

5. Follow-Up on Submission

  • If you do not receive confirmation from the ACNC within 14 business days:

    • Call the ACNC at 13 22 62 to confirm the receipt of your complaint.

 

6. Report to Human Rights Bodies (Optional Step)

If you believe the practices violate human rights or individual freedoms, you may also report the matter to the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).

Contact Information:

Process:

  1. File a human rights complaint online: AHRC Complaint Form.

  2. Provide a detailed description of how the organization’s practices infringe on basic freedoms.

 

7. Monitor Progress and Await Updates

  • The ACNC typically reviews complaints within 30–90 days, depending on the complexity of the case.

  • They may contact you for additional information or clarification during the investigation process.

 

Download Templates:

 

 

Suggestions for Submission:

  1. Ensure you include attachments as evidence, particularly pages from internal documents explicitly describing these policies.
  2. Submissions can be sent via post to the ACNC address or electronically through their website's complaint form: ACNC Complaint Form.
  3. Attach a concise summary of this letter if filing electronically, as online forms often have word limits.
  4. Timeframes for ACNC responses vary but typically take several weeks; follow up if no acknowledgment is received within 14 days.

Additional Tips

  • Anonymous Reporting: If you wish to remain anonymous, indicate this clearly in the complaint form or letter. However, anonymity might limit follow-up communication.
  • Provide Context: Explain how the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ practices affect individuals, referencing specific examples of harm or infringement on rights.
  • Be Patient: Investigations may take time, as the ACNC gathers evidence and reviews compliance with legal standards.