Exclusive Brethren's Alleged Political Involvement Raises Election Integrity Questions in Australia

In the lead-up to Australia's 2025 federal election, a growing chorus of voices from both independent and Labor circles is calling for transparency over what appears to be coordinated campaign support by members of the Exclusive Brethren — formally known as the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church — for Coalition candidates.

While the church and the Coalition deny any formal agreement, the sudden surge of Liberal Party volunteers at key pre-polling booths has sparked serious concerns about external religious influence on the democratic process.

Concerns from the Ground: Who’s Really Volunteering?

Independent MP Andrew Gee, who is running to retain his seat of Calare against the Nationals, has demanded answers regarding what he sees as suspicious and overwhelming support for Coalition campaigns in marginal electorates.

Gee’s team and other campaigns have noted an unusually high number of volunteers, many of whom are believed to be members of the Exclusive Brethren, manning polling booths. According to Gee, the presence has been so substantial and strategic that it appeared designed to intimidate opposing volunteers and candidates.

“I think the National Party has to answer what they're giving in return for all of this support they're getting on the ground,” Gee said. “You can't pretend to turn a blind eye to this.”

These suspicions have been strengthened by leaked text messages, reportedly sent within Brethren circles, offering guidance on how to behave at polling stations. Volunteers were instructed to avoid discussing their religious affiliation and to avoid lengthy conversations — furthering the belief that the support effort is being deliberately concealed.

What the Brethren and Coalition Say

Despite the mounting scrutiny, both the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church and the Liberal-National Coalition have denied the existence of any formal campaign collaboration.

Church spokesperson Lloyd Grimshaw stated:

"Our church does not campaign for, nor support, any political parties and have not organised or coordinated any volunteer efforts of any type in any location."

He added that individual members are free to volunteer for whichever party or candidate they choose — be it the Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation, or even Labor and the teals.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also dismissed suggestions of religious favoritism or secret deals:

“We’re not discriminating against anybody on the basis of their religion. We have people of, I suspect, every religion supporting us.”

But Prime Minister Anthony Albanese countered that, saying:

“They don’t vote, but they all of a sudden have found enthusiasm in their hundreds to travel around the country to hand out how-to-votes. What is going on there?”

Allegations of Intimidation and Misinformation

While the Brethren maintain that all volunteer activity is member-led, multiple independent and Labor campaigns report experiences that go beyond standard political engagement.

Gee claims that Brethren volunteers followed him from polling station to polling station, suggesting an intent to intimidate. He described instances of being followed by more than two dozen volunteers in a single day, saying, “I believe it was [designed to intimidate], why else would you follow someone round from polling booth to polling booth in large numbers?”

Labor volunteers have also alleged verbal intimidation and misinformation campaigns, including accusations that Brethren-affiliated volunteers told voters, “Labor wants to kill babies” — a dangerous falsehood aimed at influencing voter behavior.

These claims are difficult to verify conclusively, but leaked messages obtained by the ABC seem to indicate an organized structure within the church's supporter group, suggesting women hand out materials while men field inquiries.

Former Members Speak Out

Ben Woodbury, a former Brethren member who left nearly ten years ago, said the church’s political involvement has always existed — but mostly from the shadows. “We were always involved, volunteering and handing out pamphlets,” he explained. “It was always kind of secretly done after hours — under wraps.”

This time, however, the scale and visibility are unprecedented, according to Woodbury. “I'm so surprised by this,” he said. “It looks much more like a strategic operation than a grassroots volunteer effort.”

Why It Matters: Religion and Politics in Australia

The Exclusive Brethren has long been a controversial group in Australia. Known for its conservative and isolationist practices, the church discourages engagement with outsiders, restricts media use, and enforces strict gender roles. Former members have described the internal culture as controlling, and the church is widely regarded as a sect.

While participation in democratic processes — including volunteering — is a right afforded to all Australians regardless of faith, the lack of transparency and perceived coordination with one side of politics raises broader concerns about electoral fairness, voter intimidation, and religious influence in public policy.

It also forces the Coalition to answer a critical question: Is this just coincidental support from faith-based individuals, or is it a strategically mobilized effort with political implications?

The Path Forward: Demands for Transparency

As pressure mounts, both Labor and independents are urging the Coalition to make clear disclosures about where their campaign support originates and whether any arrangements  formal or informal  exist with religious groups such as the Exclusive Brethren. If left unanswered, the allegations risk undermining public trust in Australia’s electoral system  especially in tight contests where just a few thousand votes could determine the outcome. Also Trending in Entertainment Visit the Entertainment section of The Current