Probe into Hillsong College sex quiz claim begins

The future of Hillsong College is in jeopardy as an investigation gets underway into claims the megachurch interrogates students about their sex lives.

Exclusive: Hillsong College is at risk of suspension of its registration to run courses as an education watchdog investigates claims it interrogates students about their sex lives.

The under-siege Christian megachurch has been accused of asking young women if they have had sex in the 12 months preceding their arrival at its college in north western Sydney.

Some of those questioned have been victims of sexual abuse.

The church was also accused of teaching young women to physically submit to their husbands for sex.

It comes as Hillsong is dealing with fallout from the release of more than 10,000 internal financial records, which detailed claims of fraud, personal gain, and money laundering.

Hillsong College is under investigation for claims it interrogates students about their sex lives.

The Australian Skills Quality Authority has confirmed it was investigating Hillsong College.

“ASQA has received 6 complaints about Hillsong College (RTO 1340 and CRICOS 0532G) and has regulatory activity in progress,” ASQA said in a statement.

“ASQA welcomes feedback on the performance of registered training providers which can be submitted via: https://asqaconnect.asqa.gov.au. Further information about making a complaint is available on ASQA’s website.”

Hillsong College, along with any other institution offering TAFE courses, must meet “fit and proper person regulations” to keep its registration.

Section 4 (J) of the regulations from 2011 require ASQA to consider “whether the public is likely to have confidence in the person’s suitability to be involved in an organisation that provides or assesses national qualifications” when approving registration.

Hillsong College is also required to offer “counselling and mental health support” for overseas students as part of its accreditation under a separate set of standards.

Former Hillsong student Alyssa Harper says Hillsong asked her invasive questions about her personal life. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The investigation was sparked following revelations in the Faith On Trial podcast.

Former student Alyssa Harper told the podcast she was asked about whether she had “masturbated” during a meeting with a leader when she first arrived at college from Canada.

Other students have revealed they were asked similar questions, while a former student accused the college of leaking confidential details about her disclosure of childhood sexual abuse.

LISTEN TO THE FAITH ON TRIAL PODCAST

Hillsong College confirms on its website that it asks questions about students’ sexual activity, it says, because it “places the greatest priority on the protection of children”.

“We don’t apologise for this or for taking our duty of care seriously,” the website states.

Hillsong global pastor Phil Dooley. Picture: Facebook

Hillsong global pastor Phil Dooley responded to the claims during a sermon following the tabling in Federal Parliament of the church’s financial documents.

“Hillsong has been bashed in public media for years now. Maybe some of it’s warranted, but a lot of it is unfair, unwarranted and completely untrue,” he said.

“Recently, we were even accused of having a rape culture. That’s pretty horrible to say.

“As a senior pastor of Hillsong, I want all women to feel safe in our church and we strongly advocate against violence against women and children.”

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