E/CN.4/1998/6/Add.1 page 16 which however kept their distance as a result of their “conservatism”. Scientology appears to be closer to minority groups such as the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Unification Church, The Family and the Mormons, and is said to assist them with advice, moral support and public relations. 71. Non-governmental representatives mentioned Australian society's attitude of tolerance towards new religious movements, chiefly in recognition of the latter's social activities, such as helping drug addicts and young people. One commentator, however, expressed fears regarding the risk of repercussions following events affecting the same communities in Europe, where they were regarded as sects, and also regarding the influence of the media, which tended to caricature them. (b) The Family 72. The Family, which originated in the former “Children of God” movement, portrays itself as a new religious movement based on the teaching of the Bible, the education of children at home and community life (about 400 persons). 73. As indicated in the Special Rapporteur's communication dated 14 October 1993 addressed to the Australian Government (E/CN.4/1994/79), in May 1992, the six Family communities in Sydney and Melbourne were raided by the police and members of the medico-social services, who carried out house searches and took children away from their families for questioning and medical examinations. Several days later the children were returned to their parents for lack of evidence supporting charges of sexual abuse against minors or the description of the movement by some of the media as a “dangerous sect”. 74. Judicial proceedings had been started, partly owing to differing interpretations of the legal status of teaching in the home as practised by The Family. Finally an amicable agreement was reached, which included a programme of social activities for the children and a temporary suspension of proceedings. At the request of Family lawyers, the Commonwealth ombudsman had ordered an inquiry into the behaviour of the police and medico-social services. He recommended that in sensitive areas like child abuse, investigations should be conducted thoroughly and with the least possible disruption to the lives of families involved. He recommended changes to the system to improve communication between State agencies and greater accountability. In November 1993, the case was dismissed by the Children's Court in New South Wales. The Family has since been seeking damages from agencies. Family representatives have appealed for rehabilitation by the withdrawal of all allegations against them and have expressed fears of discrimination on the part of the authorities. 75. The comments made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs reported in the section on the Church of Scientology also apply in the case of The Family. C. Situation of the Aboriginals 76. Within the framework of the official process of reconciliation with the Aboriginals (who were the victims in the past of discriminatory policies and practices), the Special Rapporteur wanted to examine the situation of Aboriginals with respect to religious and non-religious matters.