Why This Matters
- The church's denial is being made internationally, on right-wing US television, rather than through mainstream Australian media outlets.
- Bruce Hales' upcoming evidence before a parliamentary committee means the church's claims are about to be tested under formal scrutiny.
- The story focuses attention on the influence of religious groups in Australian federal elections.
Background
The Exclusive Brethren, formally the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, is a conservative Christian denomination with a prominent presence in Australia. It has previously faced scrutiny over its involvement in election campaigns and political matters. The current attention centres on the federal parliament's electoral matters committee, which is examining the conduct of the last federal election and has called the church's leader to give evidence.
Key Perspectives
The church: Through Grimshaw, it denies any involvement in the last federal election and appears intent on stating that position to an international audience before its leader testifies.
The parliamentary committee: It has scheduled evidence from Hales as part of its examination of electoral conduct, indicating it sees the church as relevant to its inquiry.
Critics and observers: They may question why the denial was aired on a US program rather than before the committee itself, and will look to Hales' testimony to test the church's account.
What to Watch
- Bruce Hales' evidence to the electoral matters committee and whether it matches the spokesman's public denial.
- The committee's eventual report and any findings about the church's electoral conduct.
- Whether the church makes further public statements, on US or Australian media, around the hearing.