STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms BELYEA (Dunkley) (13:48): Today is world democracy day, and it is a timely reminder that 72 per cent of the world's population lives under autocratic rule. Here, in the greatest democracy in the world, we should never take our democracy for granted. That is why the conduct involving the exclusive Brethren during the 2025 election is so concerning.

The exclusive Brethren intruded in our democratic process through intimidation and coercion. Democracy depends on free and fair elections where every person can exercise their right to vote without undue influence. The Exclusive Brethren profess Christian values of honesty, integrity, humility, respect and care for others.

Yet many of the behaviours reported during this election appear inconsistent with those values and raise legitimate concerns about the appropriateness of their conduct. Candidates, volunteers and voters should not be threatened and intimidated in our democracy—not now, not ever. The Liberal Party described the Brethren as a support group.

Australians deserve greater transparency about the nature of the relationship and the roles these individuals played in the election campaign. At a time of global democratic backsliding, our democracy is too precious to be threatened by exterior groups.