Overview

"Out of nowhere in 2004, this obscure religious sect burst on to the political stage in Australia. Almost unheard of until then, the Exclusive Brethren was suddenly spending up big in election advertising in support of conservative political parties. But its members were shy to the point of paranoia about who they were - preferring, as they said, to ""fly under the radar"". Brethren members assiduously lobbied politicians, but did not vote. And they were very close to then prime minister John Howard. What exactly was their interest in politics? Why did their activism suddenly blossom almost simultaneously across the world, from Canada and the United States to Sweden and Australia? And how did a small, fringe group whose values are utterly detached from those of most Australians infiltrate the highest office in the land? Michael Bachelard, formerly an investigative reporter at The Age and now at The Sunday Age, has been uncovering the facts about this secretive sect for more than two years. The results of his inquiries are the most comprehensive book ever written about the Exclusive Brethren. It's a fascinating story of politics and power. But it's a very human story, too - of damaged lives, broken families, and of hurt and anger that stretches back decades."

Full Product Details

9781921372285

Table of Contents

Reviews

Shocking and compelling; an eye-opening account of power and cruelty in a tiny Christian sect that enjoys a privileged existence in Australia. --David Marr, Sydney Morning Herald

Author Information

Michael Bachelard is a journalist for The Sunday Age and a former reporter for The Australian. He is a recipient of a Jefferson Fellowship in journalism and a Quill award for best news report in print. He is the author of The Great Land Grab.

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