The Exclusive Brethren head, Bruce Hales, has denied any knowledge of church members volunteering for the Liberal party during the 2025 federal election. His testimony before a fiery parliamentary committee has sparked intense debate about religious influence in Australian politics.
Exclusive Brethren Head Denies Involvement in 2025 Election
Bruce Hales, the most senior member of the Exclusive Brethren, told the inquiry he had no involvement whatsoever in members volunteering for the Coalition. "I want to be clear and unequivocal. I had no involvement whatsoever in relation to any members who volunteered or took part in any aspect of the 2025 federal election," he said. "I did not plan such activities. I did not coordinate such activities. I did not direct such activities. I did not fund such activities." His statement came amid accusations that the church coordinated volunteers and secretly paid far-right figures to stage stunts against Labor MPs.
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Church Rejects Coordination Claims
The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has rejected claims it coordinated volunteers and a campaign for the Coalition. Hales also denied that his church is a cult, a term used by the prime minister. His son, Gareth Hales, who also appeared before the committee, said it was "a bit rough" being labelled as such. Gareth gave evidence that he had met Morgan C Jonas and Chris de Bruyne separately in a business capacity, but denied any political coordination.
Parliamentary Committee Hearing Turns Fiery
The parliamentary committee hearing on Friday was marred by clashes, with members accusing one another of "religious persecution" and "running a protection racket" for the church. The heated exchanges highlight the deep divisions over the role of religious organisations in political campaigns.
Key Takeaways from the Exclusive Brethren Inquiry
- Bruce Hales denied any knowledge or involvement in church members volunteering for the Liberal party in 2025.
- The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church rejected claims of coordinating volunteers and paying far-right figures.
- Hales denied the church is a cult, while his son Gareth called the label "a bit rough".
- The committee hearing was marked by accusations of religious persecution and protection racket.
Comparison of Claims and Denials
| Claim | Denial by Exclusive Brethren |
|---|---|
| Coordinated volunteers for Liberal party | Bruce Hales: "I did not coordinate such activities." |
| Secretly paid far-right figures for stunts | Church rejects claims; no evidence provided. |
| Church is a cult | Hales denies; Gareth Hales says label is "a bit rough". |
| Gareth Hales met far-right figures | Meetings were in a business capacity, not political. |
Background on the Exclusive Brethren
The Exclusive Brethren, also known as the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, is a conservative Christian group with a history of political involvement. In the 2025 election, thousands of members were alleged to have volunteered for the Liberal party, raising questions about the separation of church and state in Australia.
FAQ
What did Bruce Hales say about the 2025 election?
Bruce Hales denied any involvement or knowledge of church members volunteering for the Liberal party. He stated he did not plan, coordinate, direct, or fund such activities.
Is the Exclusive Brethren considered a cult?
The prime minister has used the term, but Bruce Hales denied it. His son Gareth Hales said being labelled a cult was "a bit rough".
What happened at the parliamentary committee hearing?
The hearing was marred by clashes, with committee members accusing each other of "religious persecution" and "running a protection racket" for the church.
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