Church sect's political interference a 'complete lie'

Members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church have been accused of interfering in the 2025 federal election by allegedly mobilising their members as volunteers for the Liberal party, particularly in marginal seats. Church leader Lloyd Grimshaw denied that the movement coordinated any campaigns or made donations to political parties, stating that individual members may have chosen to campaign independently.

Inquiry chair Jerome Laxale described the interference as "really disappointing" for democracy, even if it was not coordinated by the church. Greens senator Steph Hodgins-May called for further investigation, while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke warned that the allegations were "chilling" and emphasized the need to protect democracy from physical intimidation.

The church's website states that members are only permitted to socialise with those they take Holy Communion with, and most members are born into the faith. Australian Federal Police commissioner Krissy Barrett declined to comment on whether an investigation was needed, citing concerns about national cohesion.