Independent and Labor Campaigns Raise Concerns Over Apparent Exclusive Brethren Support for Coalition
Labor and independent candidates are calling for transparency from the Coalition regarding what appears to be a coordinated effort by members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church to support Liberal and National candidates during the federal election campaign.
In key marginal electorates, unusually large groups of Liberal volunteers have been reported staffing early voting booths. Several candidates believe many of these individuals are members of the conservative religious sect known as the Exclusive Brethren. Both the church and the Coalition deny any formal agreement or coordination.
Independent MP Andrew Gee, who is running to retain his seat of Calare against the Nationals, questioned the origin and nature of the support the Coalition is receiving. “The National Party needs to explain what arrangements, if any, are in place,” he said. “You can’t just ignore this.”
Text messages allegedly shared within the Brethren community and obtained by suggest volunteers were given talking points to avoid revealing their religious affiliation and to avoid engaging in extended conversations with the public while handing out how-to-vote cards.
The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, a strict Christian sect with roughly 15,000 Australian members, is known for its conservative social values and internal discipline. While some members traditionally abstain from voting, church leaders say individuals are free to support political candidates of their choice.
Liberal Party sources have downplayed the influence of the Brethren, claiming support has been exaggerated. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton insisted that volunteers of all faiths are welcome in the party. “We don’t discriminate based on religion,” he said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, however, said the scale and suddenness of the volunteer mobilisation raised serious questions. “Where are these people coming from and why are they campaigning if they don’t vote?” he asked.
In response, a Brethren spokesperson, Lloyd Grimshaw, reiterated that the church has not organised any political activity but acknowledged that members may be volunteering independently for a variety of parties. “Everyone has the right to volunteer,” he said, adding that members have supported candidates from across the political spectrum, including Liberal, Nationals, Labor, One Nation, and independents.
Allegations of voter intimidation have also emerged. Andrew Gee said he and his campaign team were followed by dozens of volunteers, which he interpreted as an attempt to intimidate. He claims some National Party volunteers admitted to being Brethren members.
Labor representatives have similarly accused suspected Brethren-affiliated volunteers of aggressive conduct at polling places, such as crowding out opponents and making inflammatory statements to voters — including false claims like “Labor wants to kill babies.”
One internal message allegedly encourages women from the church to distribute how-to-vote cards while men handle any inquiries, further suggesting an organised effort.
Former church member Ben Woodbury said that while the Brethren have historically been discreetly involved in political activity, the scale of their apparent engagement this year is “surprising and unusual.”
