Plymouth Brethren elder Bruce Hales rejects claims of directing election volunteers
Bruce Hales, the senior elder of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, denied any role in organizing members to volunteer during the 2025 federal election.
The highest elder of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, Bruce Hales, and his son Gareth appeared before the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters following accusations that the sect employed paid agitators and Nazi-linked individuals to influence the 2025 federal election. In a detailed written response, Hales asserted he was unaware of any planning, coordination or direction of church members volunteering in electoral campaigns across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and regional locations.
He emphasized that any participation was undertaken by individuals in their personal capacity and denied involvement in hotel accommodations, political donations, or the use of chat groups. Hales also refuted claims of contact with former Opposition leader Peter Dutton or adviser Sam Jackson-Hope, and stated the church does not officially support any party. He dismissed suggestions of a controlling culture within the church, describing its teachings as encouraging personal religious choices. While he indicated his written answers should suffice, the committee continues to seek his attendance.
