Brethren church denies paying far-right activists to stage election stunts targeting Albanese and others
Guardian AU
β’Fri, 21 Aug 2026 05:02:52 GMT
π° What Happened
The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has denied paying far-right influencers to stage stunts targeting Anthony Albanese and other politicians, in an appearance at a parliamentary inquiry into the 2025 election. The church also denied coordinating hundreds of volunteers to support Liberal candidates at polling booths. It called reporting by Nine newspapers a 'complete lie'; the reporting alleged the church paid influencers including Laurence McIntyre, who was filmed heckling the prime minister and has previously been pictured with neo-Nazi figures.
π The Backstory
The church, formerly known as the Exclusive Brethren, has faced scrutiny over its electoral influence. The parliamentary inquiry was established to examine conduct during the 2025 federal election campaign amid concerns about outside actors and campaign financing.
π― Why It Matters
The allegations concern the integrity of Australian elections and possible sources of campaign stunt funding. The inquiry's findings could shape electoral reform and transparency rules ahead of the next federal poll.
The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has denied paying far-right influencers to stage stunts targeting Anthony Albanese and other politicians, in an appearance at a parliamentary inquiry into the 2025 election. The church also denied coordinating hundreds of volunteers to support Liberal candidates at polling booths. It called reporting by Nine newspapers a 'complete lie'; the reporting alleged the church paid influencers including Laurence McIntyre, who was filmed heckling the prime minister and has previously been pictured with neo-Nazi figures.
The church, formerly known as the Exclusive Brethren, has faced scrutiny over its electoral influence. The parliamentary inquiry was established to examine conduct during the 2025 federal election campaign amid concerns about outside actors and campaign financing.
The allegations concern the integrity of Australian elections and possible sources of campaign stunt funding. The inquiry's findings could shape electoral reform and transparency rules ahead of the next federal poll.