Australian Church Leaders Deny Election Interference, Admit Meetings With Far-Right Figures

An Australian parliamentary inquiry is investigating allegations that the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC) orchestrated thousands of its members to volunteer for the Liberal Party and secretly funded "far-right figures" to harass politicians, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, during the 2025 federal election[1][2]. On October 16, 2026, the church's global leader Bruce Hales denied organizational involvement, while his son Gareth Hales admitted to meeting "far-right figures"[1][2]. This inquiry by the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (JSCEM) scrutinizes third-party influence in elections and could lead to new campaigning regulations[4][7].

What the records show

The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is investigating claims that the PBCC coordinated thousands of members to volunteer for the Liberal Party and paid far-right figures to disrupt campaigns in the 2025 federal election[1][2]. Bruce Hales, the church's global leader, testified on October 16, 2026, stating, "I had no involvement whatsoever in relation to any members who volunteered or took part in any aspect of the 2025 federal election"[2]. He asserted that members' political activities were individual[1][2][5].

Gareth Hales, Bruce Hales' son, admitted to the committee that he met with Chris de Bruyne and Morgan C. Jonas, described as "far-right figures"[1][2]. He characterized these as "brief business meetings" and claimed he did not know their political affiliations at the time[1][2]. Gareth Hales also stated he volunteered for the Liberal Party as a "private citizen" and encouraged some church members to campaign, but denied directing them[8][9].

An interim report from the committee in June 2026 recommended a new code of conduct for campaigners[4][7]. Committee chair Jerome Laxale described the events at the 2025 federal election as "an assault on our democracy" by third parties like the Plymouth Brethren[4].

Timeline

The alleged electoral interference occurred during the 2025 federal election[1]. The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters tabled its interim report, including recommendations for a new code of conduct, in June 2026[4][7]. On October 16, 2026, Bruce and Gareth Hales testified before the parliamentary committee[1][2].

What the subject has said publicly

Bruce Hales, the PBCC's global leader, stated on October 16, 2026, that he "did not plan such activities. I did not coordinate such activities. I did not direct such activities. I did not fund such activities" concerning members' involvement in the 2025 election[2]. Gareth Hales testified that he volunteered "as an individual" and while he "might have offered a little bit of encouragement," he did not "direct them or control or manage (other church members)"[8][9].

What we could not confirm

PrimaryBrief could not confirm the full extent of coordination between PBCC leadership and its members for election volunteering. It also could not confirm whether the church secretly funded "far-right figures" to harass politicians, nor the specific nature and intent of Gareth Hales' meetings with Chris de Bruyne and Morgan C. Jonas. The unconfirmed points also include whether any harassment by these individuals was directed or funded by the PBCC.