Exclusive Brethren boss asks, ‘Why should we tell the world?’ ahead of evidence to inquiry
From confidentiality agreements for participating in church services to keeping the public in the dark, the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church leader is not keen on scrutiny.
The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church is facing a parliamentary inquiry over allegations that its members intimidated candidates during the 2025 federal election campaign. Bruce Hales, the spiritual leader of the church, has denied any coordination or instruction to church members to participate in the alleged activities. The committee, chaired by Labor MP Jerome Laxale, has asked Hales to answer allegations that members of the church paid Neo-Nazi associates to track and harass the prime minister.
The church denies any involvement with political parties or third-party groups during the campaign and claims it had no formal arrangement with the Coalition. Committee members have expressed their concerns over the inquiry, accusing it of hyper-partisanship and unprofessional conduct, and questioning its credibility in reporting on the 2025 election.
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