Christian sect faces grilling over interference claims

Christian sect faces inquiry over alleged election interference claims

The full report

The global head of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, Bruce Hales, is expected to testify at an inquiry into alleged interference in the 2025 federal election. The church has been accused of coordinating efforts to support the Liberal Party, with multiple candidates reporting unusually large numbers of Liberal volunteers at pre-poll booths.

According to a statement from Mr Hales, he had no involvement in campaigns during the 2025 election and only learned of church members' involvement through the media. He denied participating in the campaign or asking anyone to do so, and claimed he did not have authority over members' political choices.

The church has repeatedly denied commanding its 16,000 Australian congregants to campaign for the Liberal Party, stating that they all volunteered of their own accord. However, many Plymouth Brethren members do not vote. The church was described as a 'support group' for the Liberal Party in its own review of its 2025 election defeat.

Mr Hales also denied recording an audio message saying 'booths are manned' and 'volunteers are fired up', which was raised during a previous round of hearings. He claimed that all he had said was 'Australia needs to be happy again' during a Bible meeting.

The inquiry is investigating unusual activity at polling booths during the last federal election. The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that the church paid neo-Nazi associates to tail and harass MPs, and church members intimidated voters at booths across the country, which Mr Hales denies.

The church has been described as a 'support group' for the Liberal Party, and Mr Hales has played down his own power to direct Plymouth Brethren members. He stated that he does not have authority over members' political choices, their businesses, or how they take part in civic life.