The most senior leader of the Exclusive Brethren has stated he had no knowledge of or involvement in thousands of church members volunteering for the Liberal party during the 2025 federal election. The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has consistently rejected accusations that it orchestrated a volunteer campaign for the Coalition or secretly funded far-right figures to stage disruptions against the prime minister and other Labor politicians.
During a contentious parliamentary committee hearing marked by sharp clashes, Bruce Hales, the church's highest-ranking member, testified that he played no part in organizing any election activities. He stated clearly that he did not plan, coordinate, direct, or fund any participation by members in the election, and also pushed back against descriptions of the church as a cult. His son, Gareth Hales, also testified, describing it as rough to have the church labeled in that manner.
Gareth Hales told the inquiry that he had met Morgan C Jonas and Chris de Bruyne in a business capacity and spoke with them briefly about the general trajectory of the government. While independent MP Andrew Gee referred to the pair as far-right activists, Gareth Hales maintained he was unaware of their political affiliations at the time. He also denied media reports that his company, Sante Global, paid the two men to disrupt rival campaigns.
The committee hearing descended into chaos as Coalition members accused Labor and crossbench MPs of engaging in a Spanish inquisition and religious persecution. Senators and MPs repeatedly interrupted proceedings, prompting heated exchanges over the line of questioning and accusations of political protection for the church.
Attention was also drawn to an April sermon delivered by Bruce Hales just weeks before the election, in which he urged followers to pray for good government and mentioned that the nation needed to be happy and smiling again—phrases that later appeared on Liberal party campaign posters. Bruce Hales denied that his sermon constituted a call to action or that he knew his words were being utilized in campaign advertising.
Reports indicated the sermon was broadcast and subsequently distributed via text message by Gareth Hales and his brothers, encouraging members to ensure booths were manned and volunteers motivated. While Gareth Hales stated he could not confirm writing the specific message, he denied instructing members to join the campaign, noting he merely encouraged existing volunteers to continue their efforts.
Independent MP Andrew Gee expressed deep skepticism regarding the church's claims of non-involvement, particularly after alleging he was followed by Brethren members in his regional electorate. Gareth Hales responded that those participating were acting as private citizens and members of concerned business groups rather than on behalf of the church, a defense that Gee stated he did not buy.