The Church of Scientology is planning its first above-the-line advertising push in Australia in a bid to turn around its public image.

TV and cinema are among the media being contemplated.

A spokesman for the controversial organisation confirmed to Mumbrella that the campaign is being planned but said it was dependent on the campaign receiving funding from the US. She referred inquiries to Sydney agency Frontier Media, which declined to comment.

The Church of Scientology’s most high-profile celebrity followers including Tom Cruise and John Travolta.

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In November, independent Senator Nick Xenophon accused the Church of being a “criminal organisation”. Prime Minster Kevin Rudd also told the Herald Sun “I share some of those concerns”, but has reserved further judgement pending the review of material provided by Senator Xenophon.

At the time the Church released a statement in response to Xenophon. “Senator Xenophon’s attempt to marginalise Scientologists by saying that they should not be believed, is fascistic and violates freedom of speech and the right to religious beliefs,” the statement said.

Gerry Armstrong, another vocal critic of the Church and a former member, is travelling to Australia to support Senator Xenophon’s campaign for an inquiry into the Church.