The boss of a rehabilitation centre says he will quit the job because he is being muzzled from speaking out against mass immigration, having said he does not want to see migrants ‘chop up a goat’s head in the middle of the street’ in Australia.
In his letter of resignation to the board of Perth’s Shalom House, the former drug addict-turned-preacher Peter Lyndon-James said he could no work as chief executive because he was ‘silenced’ from speaking about important issues such as migration levels.
‘I fully understand that as the founder and CEO of Shalom that my words spoken and posts publicly (sic) can have an effect on Shalom and on those who support Shalom, which I do not want to happen,’ he said.
‘Therefore I can no longer work in the role with a muzzle on me when the passion to speak out is so strong within me.’
Although he apologised to the public and some supporters for recent social media posts, now deleted, he defended his stance during a Monday address to his 160 residents.
During the speech, Mr Lyndon-James blamed mass migration for the soaring demand for residential property which cause record house prices and rents, which prevent many battlers like Shalom’s clients from making a fresh start.
He cited a recent experience at a home open in Beechboro which he attended with his house-hunting son.
‘There were 200 people lined up for one house for sale,’ he said.
A ward of the State from age nine, Peter Lyndon-James (pictured) claims he spent most of his childhood being locked up or living on the streets
Mr Lyndon-James (pictured) addressing residents of his tough love rehab program on Monday where he defended his comments on mass migration in Australia
‘The place was up for $720,000 and the property sold for $960,000 for an old three-by-one.’
He added the soaring cost of rentals has made it almost impossible for a one income family to live and put food on their plates.
‘Nothing wrong with immigration but Australia is Australia. We wanna put a snag on the barbie, we don’t want to chop up a goat’s head in the middle of the street,’ he said.
‘If you want to come over to Australia and move here and assimilate, let’s keep the Aussie way alive.
‘But if you do mass immigration, we’re talking 470,000 people last year, there is a lot of people coming in unchecked who aren’t wanting to assimilate in with Australian culture.
‘If our culture disappears, like England’s has disappeared, like Paris’ has disappeared, like everywhere else has disappeared, then we’re screwed.
‘I just want them to put a hold on mass immigration, not just keep bringing them in and then it’s too late we end up by other countries.’
Mr Lyndon-James said his Facebook posts had resulted in former supporters labelling him a racist, fascist and Neo Nazi.
Long lines have been reported at home opens across Australia as the nation faces an unprecedented housing crisis that is bumping up the price of homes
‘I am not against immigration, but I do hold personal concerns about mass migration,’ he said.
‘When I looked at that last March for Australia rally there was over 15,000 people in that city, there was probably 40 neo-Nazis.
‘A majority of Australians are concerned about mass immigration.’
However, he extended an apology to those who were offended by the clips he had reposted.
Mr Lyndon-James is no stranger to controversy since opening the doors to his tough love rehab in 2012.
He has no formal qualifications, but developed a five-stage rehab program based on his personal experience as a meth addict and drug dealer.
Residents are required to convert to Christianity, agree not to swear or smoke, and are expected to work full-time while detoxing.
On entry, male residents have their head shaved and piercings removed.
March for Australia protesters clash during the anti-immigration demonstration on August 31
They must also sign an enduring power of attorney, handing control of their finances to Shalom House.
Lyndon-James has previously claimed that residents who do not follow the rules are driven ‘miles away – out the back of Gnangara’ and abandoned, with the option of walking back to Shalom House.
Despite claims to be the most successful rehabilitation centre in Australia, many experts have publicly criticised the treatment model he uses and the lack of data on success rates.
An investigation in 2019 by Community News Group found out of around 1,000 men that had entered the program, only 49 had completed it, giving a graduation rate of five per cent.
In comparison, the average completion rate in publicly funded services is 35 per cent.
Mr Lyndon-James’ discussions with the board over his mass migration comments are ongoing.
‘I am entitled to share my opinion and, more importantly, to teach those I lead how to respectfully share theirs,’ he said.
However WA Shalom Group board member Mike Price said in a statement at ‘no time’ did it try and silence or restrict the outspoken leader’s personal opinions.
‘You are entitled to share personal views on your own platform,’ he wrote.
‘While your position as founder gives your words influence, we respect your right to speak in a personal capacity, separate from your professional duties.’
