Senior Brethren had 'brief' meeting with far-right figures during election

Senior Brethren leader denies coordinating pro-Liberal campaign in 2025 federal election.

The full report

The spiritual leader of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC) has denied coordinating a pro-Liberal campaign in the 2025 federal election. Senior elder Bruce Hales made the denial while giving evidence before the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters.

Gareth Hales, Mr Hales' son, acknowledged meeting far-right figures Chris De Bruyne and Morgan C Jonas, who have been accused of intimidation tactics during the campaign. However, he described the encounters as 'brief' business meetings.

Gareth Hales also revealed he met then-opposition leader Peter Dutton at a petrol station media event, which he had heard about through 'word of mouth'. He stated that he was unaware of Mr Dutton's political affiliations at the time.

Church leaders have denied their role in coordinating the involvement of members in the campaign. Bruce Hales stated that he did not coordinate, direct, or fund any activities related to the campaign.

The allegations of Brethren members intimidating rival candidates and campaigners have been made by several politicians. Nine newspapers have also reported that church members paid far-right influencers, including Neo-Nazi associates, to follow and heckle the prime minister.

A final report into the 2025 election is due by the end of the year. The inquiry is investigating the allegations of Brethren members' involvement in the campaign.