Exclusive Brethren Leader Denies Involvement in 2025 Election Campaign Coordination

Bruce Hales, the global leader of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, denied coordinating or funding political activities during the 2025 federal election. Appearing before a parliamentary committee, Hales stated he had no involvement in any members volunteering or participating in the election. He emphasized that he did not plan, coordinate, direct, or fund such activities, rejecting claims that the church operated as a covert political machine.

The inquiry focused on allegations that the church violated electoral transparency laws by mobilizing a disciplined voting bloc and using financial resources to influence the election without proper disclosure. Committee members scrutinized the group’s alleged financial ties to controversial political figures, including meetings between Gareth Hales, Bruce’s son, and activists Morgan C Jonas and Chris de Bruyne. Independent MP Andrew Gee described Jonas and de Bruyne as far-right figures, though Gareth maintained the meetings were strictly business-related and he was unaware of their political affiliations at the time.

Reports from Nine newspapers alleged that Jonas and de Bruyne were part of a coordinated campaign targeting Labor and left-leaning politicians, staging disruptive stunts at public events. Gareth Hales denied allegations that his company, Sante Global, paid the men to disrupt opposing campaigns, calling the claims baseless attempts to damage the church’s reputation.

The committee hearing became highly contentious, with members accusing one another of “religious persecution” and running a “protection racket” for the church. This underscored the deep political divisions surrounding the Brethren’s influence in Australian civic life. The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has faced intense scrutiny following the election, as authorities investigate potential breaches of electoral laws and the group’s broader political engagement.

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