Christian sect faces grilling over interference claims

Key points

• Bruce Hales, senior elder of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, is expected to tell an inquiry on Friday that he was not involved in the 2025 federal election campaign. He denies that church members were directed to campaign for the Liberal Party, and says he has no authority over members' political choices.
• Hales also denies recording an audio message that was raised at earlier hearings. The church has repeatedly said its members volunteered of their own accord.
• The inquiry is examining claims of interference in the election.