Charities watchdog to review fraud allegations made in parliament against Hillsong

The charities watchdog will review allegations made in parliament that Hillsong church misused the donations of its members. Key points: Independent MP Andrew Wilkie alleged Hillsong broke financial laws in Australia and around the world Mr Wilkie claimed the church money was spent on "the kind of shopping that would embarrass a Kardashian" Hillsong disputed the allegations, labelling them as "out-of-context" or false Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has used parliamentary privilege to accuse Hillsong church of breaking financial laws in Australia and around the world relating to "fraud, money laundering and tax evasion". The Tasmanian MP said some of the documents show former leader Brian Houston — who stepped down from the role last year — was "treating private jets like Ubers" and used church money for various trips costing a total of $179,000 in one three-month period. Hillsong founder Brian Houston was said to be "treating private jets like Ubers" and used church money for various trips. In a statement, a spokesperson for Hillsong Church disputed the allegations, claiming Mr Wilkie's remarks were out of context and based on "untested allegations" made by an employee in an ongoing legal case.