Brethren church denies paying far-right activists to stage election stunts targeting Albanese and others

Church director tells parliamentary inquiry reporting by Nine newspapers a ‘complete lie’

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has denied it secretly paid far-right influencers to stage stunts targeting Anthony Albanese and other politicians during an appearance at a parliamentary inquiry into the 2025 election.

The church also refuted claims it had coordinated hundreds of volunteers to support Liberal candidates, including at polling booths across the country.