Well, this week has been chaos in the media with the video of Jane Lomax-Smith sharing her opinion with us in May being reported on as well as an exposé on Child Labour within the Australian Orgs by Today Tonight.

It started off with The Messenger Newspaper (The City Messenger & Eastern Courier specificly):

J-Lo snared in YouTube video

Louise Russell 09 Jul 08

CITY of Adelaide Minister Jane Lomax-Smith unknowingly appears in an internet video in which she brands members of Scientology as “bastards” while criticising the group’s entitlement to tax exemptions for religious organisations.

Her comments were secretly filmed in May by the internet collective Anonymous, which has been conducting protests against Scientology and posted on the online video site, YouTube.

Anonymous members, often wearing eye-catching disguises, have been holding monthly protests against Scientology and its teachings.

The YouTube video shows Dr Lomax-Smith in front of a restaurant in Waymouth St, next door to Scientology, asking a group of masked people: “Are you all related to someone who’s been sucked in?”

The video, which appeared to be taken without Dr Lomax-Smith’s consent, then hears her discussing Scientology’s tax exemptions, a status shared by other religious organisations and charities.

“They should be taxed, the bastards,” she is heard saying. “They shouldn’t be tax free, we’re subsidising them.”

In an emailed statement from the ministers’ media adviser Leah Manuel, Dr Lomax-Smith said: “It was a private conversation and I was expressing a personal view. There’s nothing more to add.”

Scientologist spokesman Nigel Manock said he was aware of the video and had sought clarification from the State Government, which had responded by saying Dr Lomax-Smith’s views did not reflect State Labor antidiscrimination

Then The Advertiser picked up on it:

Jane Lomax-Smith: Scientologists are ‘bastards’ who should be taxed

MICHAEL OWEN, POLITICAL REPORTER July 10, 2008 03:20pm

EDUCATION Minister Jane Lomax-Smith has been caught on tape declaring Scientologists “should be taxed, the bastards”.

Footage from a video recorded during a protest on May 10 by internet activist group Anonymous has emerged which shows Dr Lomax-Smith casually chatting to protesters in Adelaide.

Clearly not a fan of the controversial Church of Scientology, Dr Lomax-Smith asks protesters how frequently they gather and exclaims, “oh, it’s great”.

She then asks about the protest group, which is dedicated to “dismantling and destroying” the Church of Scientology.

Watch the video here - the footage featuring Jane Lomax-Smith begins at the 8:05 mark, towards the end of the recording

It wants the church’s tax-exempt status rescinded, alleging it is a cult rather than a religion.

The religious organisation is regularly in the news for its beliefs and high-profile celebrity spokespeople such as Tom Cruise, as well as its fundraising activities.

Dr Lomax-Smith tells protesters: “They should be taxed, the bastards. They shouldn’t be tax-free, we’re subsidising them.”

She then says: “I like your masks.”

In an emailed statement issued today, Dr Lomax-Smith said: “It was a private conversation and I was expressing a personal view. There’s nothing more to add.”

Church of Scientology Australia president Vicki Dunstan said the organisation was entitled to the same rights as other churches “and the full bench of the High Court of Australia unanimously confirmed this in 1983″.

“Dr Lomax-Smith is an elected official and as such represents the voice and rights of the many different races, cultures and creeds in their electorate,” Ms Dunstan said.

“She has a duty to follow the policy of her party and refrain from making derogatory public comments that promote intolerance and violate the very basis of our democratic constitution.”

State Opposition Leader Martin Hamilton-Smith said Dr Lomax-Smith’s assertion that the church should not be exempt from tax “flies in the face of federal and state decisions to exempt the church from taxes”.

“The Treasurer has signed off on exemptions from state payroll taxes and they include organisations such as the Church of Scientology,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“If Dr Lomax-Smith thinks that’s wrong, then she should raise her concerns with (Treasurer Kevin Foley) and justify her case.”

Then The Australian:

Scientologists are bastards: minister

July 10, 2008

A SOUTH Australian minister has attacked the Church of Scientology, branding its members as “bastards”.

Education and Children’s Services Minister Jane Lomax-Smith made the comment to a group of protesters outside the church’s offices in Adelaide.

She was recorded and the video was posted on You Tube sometime after the protest earlier this year.

Ms Lomax-Smith was critical of Scientology’s tax-free status as a religious organisation.

“They should be taxed – the bastards,” she told the small group of protesters from an internet collective called Anonymous.

“They shouldn’t be tax-free, we’re subsidising them.”

The minister approached the group whose members wear masks and asked whether they were all related to someone who had been “sucked in” by scientology.

She has described her comments as personal views made in a private conversation.

Scientology attracts high-profile converts around the world including actor Tom Cruise who is believed to have introduced one of Australia’s richest men, Jamie Packer, to the church and its practices.

[Edit: WE JUST MADE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA - UPI reported on it:]

Official backed in Scientology flap

Published: July 10, 2008 at 9:25 PM

ADELAIDE, Australia, July 10 (UPI) — The South Australian government said Friday that the education minister had a right to call Scientologists “bastards” in a video posted on YouTube.

Jane Lomax-Smith made the comments in May when she encountered demonstrators from a group that calls itself Anonymous outside the Church of Scientology headquarters in Adelaide, The Australian reports. Lomax-Smith asked the masked protesters if they were related to people who had been “sucked in” by Scientology.

“They should be taxed, the bastards,” she added. “They shouldn’t be tax-free; we’re subsidizing them. I like your masks.”

Anonymous posted the video on the Internet, leading to an official protest from the church to South Australian Premier Mike Rann. In a statement Thursday from Sydney, the church said that Lomax-Smith should not promote intolerance.

Rann’s office said that Lomax-Smith was giving her own views in a private conversation as she has a right to do.

The church, founded by L. Ron Hubbard, a science fiction writer, has a number of high-profile members, including movie stars John Travolta and Tom Cruise.

It was also reported on on Channel 7 News Adelaide on the 10th of July, but I am unaware of any cap of it - if you have one, could you please share it to us and link to it in the comments. There was also a much longer print version of the Messenger Article, published in the “Issues” section of The Eastern Courier on the 3rd of July, which we would also like to get a copy of.

The Video in question that they are reporting on is the May 10th Raid video:

And finally, The Today Tonight reports (Scientology: If your listening, we had nothing to do with the making of these videos, we do not work with Channel 7 or Today Tonight in any way)
Part 1:

Scientology Child Labor Exposed on Australian National TV from GrahamS on Vimeo.

Part 2:

Today Tonight Covers Scientology 2 from Syd Anon on Vimeo.

Update: Third Page of the Advertiser (July 11th 2008) Full page article on the Dr Lomax-Smiths comments and us!

Update 2: Checked the Enturbulation Thread.. More Sources:

Thaindian News - Oz minister brands Scientologists bastards [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]
LIVENEWS.com.au > National > SA Premier clears minister to call Scientologists bastards
State Government Minister: Scientologists are Bastards
AdelaideNow… Jane Lomax-Smith: Scientologists are ‘bastards’ who should be taxed
Australian Politician: Scientologists Are Bastards!
AdelaideNow… Minister ‘free to call Scientologists bastards’ [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Transcript of a satire peice done by 5AA:

Conlon= Keith Conlon
Pilkington= Tony Pilkington

Pilkington: What about Jane Lomax having a go at the Scientologists and she says, it’s a con and they ought to be taxed, and it’s been put up on the ‘net this morning!
Conlon: The context is that when that anonymous group, the white faces … did their protest a few weeks ago she went and talked to them and this is the soundtrack from the video. So it wasn’t a public statement by her, she was just chatting to them ,but she quite clearly thinks they’re a cult and that they should be taxed. Of course, they should be tax free because they won the right to be a church in Australia
Pilkington: They won … a High Court decision … in the eighties …
Conlon: Somebody should take it on again some time!
Pilkington: Gary’s here …
Jon Blake (As Lomax-Smith) No, sorry it’s not Gary, sorry that must be from some previous caller. It’s Jane Lomax-Smith.
Conlon: Hello there
Jon Blake Hooo, hello. hahahahahaha, look I was going to ring you about this, because it’s really a *missing word* issue and I knew it was close to your heart Keith because you hate them as much as I do.
Conlon: I do, yes.
Jon Blake So … why don’t we have a yelling match? I’ll start off with an abuse and then you come back with one. Bastards.
Conlon: Yeah, shocking.
Jon Blake No, no … You come back with asshole, and I say, ‘mongrels’, and you can say ‘turds’, and I’ll say ‘money driven wackos’, ‘volcano living spaced out goonbars’ and then you can ‘twats’ and then we can use the c-word - call them a bunch of ‘cults’ , a bunch of cults! … Come on, you’re not joining in Keith. I thought you’d be, it’s right up your alley isn’t it, really? Hmmmm? Are you wearing your magic underwear. No, that’s the Mormans isn’t it? we’ll get them next. Byeeeeee, hahahaha
Conlon:…The Mormans don’t charge you thousands of dollars to improve your personality.
Pilkington: So they won a High Court decision back in the eighties … to be considered a church and as such it’s tax exempt …
Conlon: Unlike Germany where they’re banned.

Update 3:

Print Articles:
The Advertiser [Page 3 11th July 2008]
The Australian [11th July 2008]

Categories: July 12th Protest, May 10th Protest, Media, Tax Exempt
18 Comments »

It has come to the attention of Anonymous that Scientologists may be distributing the Anonymous Hate Crimes propaganda DVD in South Australia.

Scientologists have approached Adelaide shop owners who have displayed Anonymous posters: advising them to take down the posters. One shop owner has reported that he was contacted on two occasions by members of the Church of Scientology. Another shop owner has advised members of Anonymous that posters displayed on their premises were stolen. Both locations displayed the posters prominently and were in high-traffic areas of Adelaide.

The first shop owner advised Anonymous that they were warned “not to put up stuff like that”, and the poster was removed. The business agreed to place a second poster in their window, and they were again contacted by Scientology. On the second occasion, the poster was again removed, and they were given a DVD. We have reason to believe this DVD is the Anonymous Hate Crimes film.

If you have been contacted by Scientology and have one of these DVD’s, please contact us:

• via the Anonyphone (0432 812 922)
• by commenting on this blog entry, or
• via our forums.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (3) Posts

Tags: fair game,Flyers,posters
Categories: Flyers, May 10th Protest, Media
2 Comments »

A great protest was had, a very high energy protest, as you can see by the video below.

A high energy—and at times, acrobatic—protest started off at 2pm. We talked with the police, as they had asked to contact Anonymous. It’s funny seeing a policeman say an IRC nickname seriously.

We headed off the same path, we handed out over 300 flyers and even Jane Lomax-Smith dropped by and made a few choice comments that you should really see for yourself.

A great time had by all, even the security guards were laughing with us, scientologists coming and going (albeit taking our photos) and we were informed by the police that there were children inside, so we played some battletoads and fun songs for them.

So why not come down next protest? We had a blast, you will too.

Have fun taking down a dangerous cult in your spare time.

Categories: CHANology, May 10th Protest, Tax Exempt
12 Comments »

Well, it looks like Scientology have been a busy bunch. I received a hand delivered letter from a man around about 6:25pm, and with it he read out a small note on request. The note said

“THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY BELIEVES THAT YOU ARE PART OF ANONYMOUS WHICH IS AN ORGANIZATION THAT IT BELIEVES IS INVOLVED IN DEATH THREATS AND BOMB THREATS. THE CHURCH BELIEVES YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THIS GROUP IF THESE ALLEGATIONS ARE CORRECT COULD MAKE YOU AN ACCOMPLICE TO THESE ACTS.”

but more importantly, was the letter. You will find pictures of the letter at the bottom of the page which are kind of blurry, but it read

Dear Mr ***,

RE: THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY AUSTRALIA

We have been retained by the Church of Scientology Australia in connection with its concerns regarding a series of terrorist threats against Church leaders and parishioners made by an internet group known as ‘Anonymous’.

We are instructed that since January 2008 members of Anonymous have engaged in a campaign of violence against the Church, its members and Church property That Anonymous members have made numerous bomb threats, arson threats and committed acts of vandalism against Scientology Churches. That they have made harassing phone calls, sent vulgar and threatening faxes, posted threats on the internet and publicly threatened to kill Scientologists engaged in religious services. That on 30 January 2008, Anonymous members sent letters containing simulated anthrax to over twenty Scientology Churches in Southern California.

We are further instructed that Anonymous members have also sent threatening emails to the Church, including, “[I will] kill you… I have the authority to use lethal force”; and “I’m watching you, and I control the bombs.” And on 13 February 2008, Anonymous placed a video threat on the Internet, saying:

“We are an elite Anonymous. On the 13th of March 2008 . . . one 5 kilogram pack of nitro glycerine will detonate in the Churches of Scientology across the United States of America . . . This will be the world’s biggest terrorist attack on a religion. Lives will be lost… A separate personal attack on [the President of the Church] will be launched on the 13th of March 2008 at an undisclosed time. His execution along with the deaths of other countless Scientologists will strike fear into the hearts of every member of this cult.”

We are informed law enforcement authorities have been notified of these illegal activities.

We are instructed to send you this letter because the Church believes that you may be directing or leading some or all of the actions of “Anonymous”, and have assisted in its campaign of violence and harassment including prank calls and other acts against the local Church. In particular, you were identified by the fact that your name and contact details appear on a permit for Anonymous as a local representative for Anonymous in Adelaide, South Australia.

We are further instructed to advise that should you or your organization continue inciting and / or engaging in such acts against the Church or its members, we are to take all legal steps necessary to protect our client.

Yours faithfully
BROCK PARTNERS

I’m not really sure what to make of this, as I have no knowledge of any prank calls, violence or harassment against the local church. I personally don’t want to see any harm coming towards any member of the church, as they are people like anyone else. And I think I would be right in saying that the other members of our group here in Adelaide think the same thing. I will continue to do what I am doing, and it is fortunate that I am already following the request of the letter through my actions.

- David.

Categories: Documents, May 10th Protest
31 Comments »

Hello, I would like to thank everyone who attended the April 12th rally — our numbers weren’t as good as previous and one of the major reasons was that we tried to limit the LULZ from the protest and we will NOT let this happen again.

The upcoming event on May 10th will follow the popular pattern of both a march and a protest but we need to turn up the LULZ during the whole event. The goal is to make these events as fun as humanely possible.

The March has one function; Inform people of our activities and goals (Scientology’s crimes) — While getting people on our side with our loud, colourful energetic parade.

Remember, After over 3 large and purely peaceful protests including dancing, singing and free hugs with not ONE act of violence or threat, Scientology cannot persist to call us Cyber-Terrorists.

By simply rocking up and having a great time, we’re going to generally annoy the COS because they are powerless… The COSs methods of subversion are useless — The police have been very supportive and we’re having a GREAT time.

Can you please help with as many of the following as possible (Rules Apply):

• INVITE ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND ACTUALLY ROCK UP. (We want to have a great time with all our friends)
• READ UP and wear a suit or be colourful and have a mask. (GFs are available on this very website)
• Print off folded flyers to hand out. (Be handed out on request)
• Design signs with large font. (Must be obvious we do not support the COS)
• Design any form of viral marketing (Badges and stickers)
• Bring Food and water, cakes, pizza and lollies.
• Bring Tiny amps and Ipods for music and dancing. (Keep up the LULZ and the general morale)

We also need to complete the mass mail out project (this should be done a few weeks after May 10th).

P.S. During the last Mini-Raid, A couple were under the belief we were actually scientologists. This works for us and makes me LUL hard because people are aware of how crazy they are. Keep this up, Stay on Target, We’re winning the battle.. :D

P.P.S Don’t forget to pre-order your copy of Battletoads to recieve your free strap.

Categories: May 10th Protest
2 Comments »

sp has managed to hunt down a supply of Guy Fawkes masks. If you want one, they will be $15.00 each, pick up on the day. There are only 15 7 available, so get in quick.

Get in contact with him in the forum thread here.

Categories: CHANology, May 10th Protest, Mini Raids
7 Comments »