Plymouth Brethren leaders summoned to parliament over election interference
Church leaders face a parliamentary hearing in October over allegations they paid activists to disrupt elections.
Parliament has recalled Plymouth Brethren church leaders to answer questions about the 2025 federal election. Nine Newspapers reported this week that the church paid activists to disrupt campaign events.
The activists targeted Labor, the Greens, and independents. Some agitators allegedly tracked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his campaign.
The church denies any involvement. The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters invited three leaders to a public hearing in October.
If they don't attend, the committee will order them to appear. Committee chair Jerome Laxale told them to be honest about their role.
He said democracy must come before politics.
- Jerome Laxale, Labor MP
- Committee chair
- Bruce Hales, Gareth Hales, Lester Sharples
- Church leaders summoned
- October
- Hearing date
- Nine Newspapers
- Media outlet reporting allegations
Why it mattersElection interference harms democracy and public trust in fair voting. Parliament must find out what happened. This helps protect future elections.
AustraliaAustralian federal election integrity and the credibility of the 2025 vote are at stake as parliament investigates alleged paid disruption campaigns.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 7 d ago
