Former Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt began working for a company linked to the Plymouth Brethren shortly after leaving parliament. This company, Connected Global, is owned by individuals with ties to the Brethren, which has recently garnered attention for its connections to the Liberal Party. The Brethren, a religious group described by some as a "cult," operates a vast business network with over 3,000 companies worldwide.

Hunt served as health minister during the Morrison government, overseeing Australia's COVID-19 response. He left parliament in May 2022 and started his advisory role with Connected Global in early 2023. The company’s owners, Gavin and Russell Grace, are associated with Bruce Hales, the Brethren's leader. While Hunt was in office, Westlab, a pathology supply company run by the Grace family, received $54.1 million in COVID contracts. After Hunt's departure, Westlab secured an additional $80.8 million in contracts.

A spokesperson for Hunt stated that he had no involvement with these companies while serving as minister. "Mr. Hunt had no dealings, meetings, contact or engagement with the companies or individuals you raise while minister nor any decisions relating to them," the spokesperson said. They emphasized that all procurement decisions were made by the Australian public service, and Hunt's advisory roles began after he left office, explicitly ruling out lobbying.

In addition to his role at Connected Global, Hunt has also been working as a board adviser for two other companies linked to senior Brethren figures. The Plymouth Brethren's involvement in the recent federal election is under scrutiny, with a parliamentary inquiry expected to investigate their influence. Labor's Jerome Laxale, who chairs the inquiry, expressed concern over the Brethren's financial contributions to the Coalition, stating, "It felt like an assault on democracy."

Electoral records reveal that a South Australian company, Voltex Electrical Associates, donated $115,000 to the Liberal Party just days before the 2022 federal election. Bruce Hales was appointed auditor for Voltex two months prior to the donation. Despite traditionally discouraging voting, Brethren members reportedly mobilized to support Liberal candidates during the election.

Laxale noted the unusual presence of Brethren members in his constituency, saying, "It was like nothing I've ever experienced before. The sheer number of people that turned up in a coordinated manner." He also mentioned that he was aware of Brethren members scrutineering votes for the Liberal Party.

In response to inquiries about their political activities, the Brethren stated that any volunteering by members was a personal choice and not directed by the church. They also rejected the label of "cult" and indicated they had reached out to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding his comments but had not received a response.

Liberal leaders have maintained positive relations with the Brethren, with figures like Angus Taylor praising their charitable work through the Rapid Relief Team (RRT). Taylor highlighted the RRT's contributions to communities, stating, "The work that RRT does right across Australia is absolutely fantastic."

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has also expressed admiration for the Brethren, calling them "very good people" who contribute significantly to society. The Brethren's extensive business and political connections continue to raise questions about their influence in Australian politics.