[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE - SENATOR CHRISTINE MILNE - CORRECTED MEDIA CONTACT NUMBER

[Willis, Katrina (Sen C. Milne)]

PLEASE NOTE CORRECTED MEDIA CONTACT NUMBER 

MEDIA RELEASE

Saturday, 23 September 2006

Greens call on Exclusive Brethren leader to condemn dirty tactics

The Australian Greens today called on the Exclusive Brethren's global
leader Elect Vessel Bruce Hales, to condemn the spying activities
conducted by the Brethren in New Zealand and to reveal whether such
activities have occurred in Australia.

Under the leadership of Elect Vessel Bruce Hales, the Exclusive Brethren
have become very active in trying to secretly influence the outcome of
elections worldwide in spite of the fact that its members are not
permitted to vote and refuse to stand for office, Greens Senator for
Tasmania, Christine Milne, said.

"We know that the Exclusive Brethren took out print advertisements and
distributed brochures during the 2004 federal election in Australia and
in the Tasmanian election this year, practices which they replicated in
the New Zealand national election," Senator Milne said.

"What we do not know is whether they employed private detectives to dig
dirt on Australian candidates standing for Labor and the Greens, as has
occurred in New Zealand.

"Elect Vessel Bruce Hales can no longer hide from public scrutiny. I
call upon Bruce Hales to condemn the practices of Exclusive Brethren
members in New Zealand who paid private detectives to dig dirt on Prime
Minister Helen Clark and her husband, and senior Labor government
members.

"It is difficult to believe that Bruce Hales did not know about these
activities since nothing happens in the Exclusive Brethren church
without direction from him.

"Bruce Hales must tell the Australian public whether Exclusive Brethren
members have engaged in similar conduct in Australia.

"Australia has prided itself on transparent, free and fair elections. It
is now becoming clear that we can no longer take this for granted.
Secret sects are operating Australia." 

Contact: Katrina Willis 0437 587 562



Katrina Willis
Adviser
Senator Christine Milne
Phone 03 6234 4566
Fax 03 6234 2144
Mobile 0437 587 562
www.christinemilne.org.au