Alumni and Ex-Staff Allege Decades of Control and Exploitation at Redeemer Baptist Church and School

A joint investigation by 60 Minutes, The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Age has reported allegations from former insiders regarding the Redeemer Baptist Church and its affiliated school in Western Sydney. The allegations include claims of control, exploitation, and questionable financial dealings by church elders.

Multiple former students and staff have publicly described the institution as exercising authoritarian control over members' lives. The school and church have denied all allegations of unlawful or coercive practices.

Allegations of Control and Living Arrangements

Former members have alleged that church elders dominated members' lives, including decisions on marriage, careers, and living arrangements. Specific allegations from multiple sources include:

Placement of Children: Adam Gibson was removed from his family at age 7 and placed in the home of Jonathan Cannon, the school principal. He lived with Cannon from year 1 to year 5, sleeping on a sofa. After briefly returning to his family, he was moved back to Cannon's home in year 8 following an incident, where he shared a bedroom with five other boys. He left the community at 18 with limited financial resources.
Continuation of Practice: The practice of moving children into the homes of Cannon and headmaster Russell Bailey is alleged to have occurred for 38 years, with an estimated 50 children affected. The school stated no children currently live in their homes.
Restrictions on Movement: Former member Michael Jones said he was told to leave the principal's home at 11:30 p.m., walking with his belongings. Former student Alexandra Garth stated she was physically blocked from leaving the church in January 2021.
Isolation: A former church leader of 44 years said parents were encouraged to block their children's phone numbers after they left. Former teacher Vanessa Bromhead stated the church moved children between homes, breaking up family units.
Daily Life: Allegations include restrictions on university choices, holidays, relationships, and requiring permission for alcohol or personal appearance. International students reported having phones confiscated and limited contact with parents.

"The church moved children between homes, breaking up family units." — Former teacher Vanessa Bromhead

Financial and Labor Practices

Student Labor: Students clean the school for approximately 20 minutes weekly, and church members participate in weekend "work parties."
International Students: It has been alleged that international students were required to perform manual labor for up to 12 hours per week.
Staff Remuneration: Staff, who are members of the Ministry Order, work as volunteers in response to a religious calling and receive stipends. A 2006 NSW Supreme Court ruling deemed these stipends not wages.

School and Church Response

The Redeemer Baptist Church and School released a statement denying wrongdoing. They stated that the school is a registered entity compliant with NSW and Federal government regulations, subject to independent audits. The church stated it does not prevent members from leaving and respects their decisions.

Specific rebuttals to allegations include:

Governance and operations comply with Australian regulations.
All entities are mandatory reporters for child safety; allegations are reported to authorities. Individuals named in the investigation were found not guilty in court.
Denied monitoring underwear color, controlling members' finances, or restricting career choices.
Denied allegations of elders holding birth certificates, restraining individuals, or forcing students into inappropriate living arrangements. The school stated it had no reports of students being forced to share bedrooms with teachers.

Russell Bailey, the headmaster, stated that the school supports families requesting assistance, providing care until parents decide their child can return home.

"The school supports families requesting assistance, providing care until parents decide their child can return home." — Headmaster Russell Bailey

Official and Regulatory Responses

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare: Stated the allegations are very serious and has referred them to his department for investigation.
NSW Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car: Expressed deep concern, stating parents deserve to know their children are safe at school. She said the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) is investigating.
NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA): Confirmed it is investigating matters related to teacher accreditation, school registration compliance, and funding obligations. Substantiated breaches may place the school's registration at risk. Relevant information will be referred to appropriate authorities, including the Office of the Children's Guardian and NSW Police.

Historical Context

The school was founded in 1981 by Noel Cannon and Maxwell Shaw. In 2004, following previous media exposés, dozens of members left the church.