Plymouth Brethren leader denies directing 2025 election campaign

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 19:32 · Archive

The global head of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church will testify to a parliamentary inquiry that he had no involvement in campaigning during the 2025 Australian federal election.

Bruce Hales, senior elder of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, is expected to testify to a parliamentary inquiry on Friday that he had no involvement in campaigns during the 2025 Australian federal election. Multiple candidates reported unusually large numbers of Liberal volunteers manning pre-poll booths during that election. The Sydney Morning Herald reported the group paid neo-Nazi associates to tail and harass MPs, and that church members intimidated voters at booths across the country. Mr Hales denies these allegations.

In a statement ahead of his appearance, Mr Hales said: "I was not involved, nor did I have any participation directly or indirectly in the 2025 election." He added his only knowledge of church members' involvement came through the media. The church has repeatedly denied it commanded its roughly 16,000 Australian congregants to campaign for the Liberal Party, maintaining they all volunteered of their own accord.

In his submission to the inquiry, Mr Hales played down his authority over church members. "I am regarded as the most senior elder globally, however ... I do not have authority over members' political choices, their businesses, or how they take part in civic life," the submission states. The Liberal Party described the church as a "support group" in its own review of its 2025 election defeat.

How it is being reported

• Christian sect faces grilling over interference claimsThe most senior figure in the Plymouth Brethren Christian church will front a parliamentary inquiry examining whether members were mobilised to campaign.Perth Now · 15 Oct, 19:03
• Christian sect faces grilling over interference claimsThe most senior figure in the Plymouth Brethren Christian church will front a parliamentary inquiry examining whether members were mobilised to campaign.The West Australian · 15 Oct, 19:02

In this story: Bruce Hales · Plymouth Brethren Christian Church · Australian Parliament · Liberal Party · Australia

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