Anti-vaccination group to collapse
by Kate Sikora, The Daily Telegraph, 16 February 2010
THE country’s largest anti-vaccination group – accused by critics of endangering children’s lives through misinformation – is on the brink of collapse.
The likely demise of the Australian Vaccination Network by the end of the month comes just weeks after the State Government launched an investigation into the organisation.
The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing will conduct an audit following complaints the group was allegedly fundraising without a licence. A spokesman said inspectors would shortly visit the organisation’s North Coast offices to examine records and interview staff.
The Health Care Complaints Commission is also wrapping up a six-month investigation into AVN over allegedly giving medical advice without the authority to do so.
In response to the investigations, AVN founder Meryl Dorey yesterday told her supporters via an email that a spiteful campaign had been run against her.
“What the outcome of all these investigations will be is unknown,” Ms Dorey said.
“I gave up a long time ago expecting justice from government departments but am hopeful that those who throw the dirt will find it flying back in their faces.”
She claimed the reason she was quitting the network was to focus on being a “mother, wife and activist”.
Ms Dorey had posted a plea for financial aid, asking members to donate 1 per cent of income to keep the network going.
“If nobody comes forward to take on the role of president or if the funds are not provided to allow us to continue however, the AVN will be ceasing operations on or about the 28th of February,” she said.
“Please don’t feel that by leaving the AVN I am turning my back on the vaccination issue.”
Contacted twice for comment yesterday, Ms Dorey referred The Daily Telegraph to her email.
Ms Dorey has run the AVN for the 17 years from Bangalow, a region with one of the country’s highest rates of unvaccinated children.
Entrepreneur and pro-vaccine supporter Dick Smith yesterday said Ms Dorey and her group were dangerous.
“This can only be a good thing,” he said. “I knew she was having an effect on parents of young children by sending information out about the risk of vaccination and people were following that.”
Mr Smith has waged a campaign against the AVN by taking out full page advertisements and lobbying the country’s chief medical officer Jim Bishop to stop the group.
Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/anti-vaccination-group-to-collapse/story-e6freuy9-1225830689187