Federal Electoral Matters Inquiry
Following the 2025 Federal Election, the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters convened their usual post-election inquiry. The terms of the Inquiry mostly focus on improving the electoral system, and the Special Minister of State’s request to examine the length of the parliamentary term, the potential for fixed terms, and the number of MPs.
However, some of the Committee’s sessions have exhibited a concerning focus on one particular faith group – the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC).
In the last election the media reported that a large number of members of the PBCC volunteered in support of political parties. The questions in the Inquiry have targeted the PBCC and its members specifically because of this volunteering. Examples of targeted questions include asking whether PBCC volunteers were more aggressive than others, and whether non-profit organisations linked to the PBCC are under investigation. No other faith group has been singled out in this way by the Committee.
Targeting individuals or organisations because they have a particular faith affiliation is extremely concerning, as is attributing motive to that faith community as a whole. Over history, many faith groups have been accused of orchestrating conspiracies against democracy. Many of these accusations have led to serious persecution of minority faiths, sometimes with government support.
It is also unacceptable and dangerous to connect a charity with activities of some members and other people of the same faith simply based on that shared faith.
Concerningly, when the Prime Minister was asked about Brethren members volunteering he referred to them as “a cult”. this was highly inappropriate language for any Member of Parliament, let alone the Prime Minister. It is not the role of government to determine what are acceptable religious beliefs. That, equally, sets a disconcerting precedent.
Faith leaders across the country have been greatly concerned by this language, and Freedom for Faith has coordinated a submission to the Committee highlighting the disturbing precedent of singling out a faith group because of members’ political engagement.
