Victoria
Exclusive Brethren campaigned for Country Liberals in NT, inquiry hears
Former Northern Territory Labor politicians claim members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church campaigned for the Country Liberal Party.
An inquiry has heard allegations that members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, a group also known as the Exclusive Brethren, actively campaigned for the Country Liberal Party in the Northern Territory.
The claims, which concern activities leading up to the 2025 federal election, were made by former senior Northern Territory Labor politicians, according to a wire report.
The political figures allege that church members were involved in campaigning efforts across the Territory to support the Country Liberal Party's campaign. Under the church's traditional practices, members have historically avoided voting, but the allegations suggest a coordinated effort by individuals associated with the church to influence the election outcome.
Few specific details have been publicly released regarding the exact nature of the campaigning activities, or how many church members were allegedly involved. Representatives for the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church and the Country Liberal Party have not yet detailed their response to the inquiry regarding these specific claims.
The inquiry is examining the circumstances surrounding political campaigning and influence in the region. The relationship between religious groups and political parties remains a sensitive subject in Australian electoral politics, with strict rules governing third-party campaigning and political donations.
Observers will be watching to see if the inquiry calls further witnesses from the church or the Country Liberal Party to respond to these allegations.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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