Fundamentalist Christian sect the Exclusive Brethren has amassed hundreds of millions of dollars in its tax-free charities at the same time as private companies run by the family of the church’s supreme leader have made millions from COVID contracts. Recently released financial records give an indication of how cash circulates around what the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church calls its “community ecosystem” revealing, in particular, a massive boost from the pandemic for its leaders’ private business and the central role of one its charities. The new figures come as the family of global leader Bruce Hales – known by some inside the sect as the “royal family” – continue their multimillion-dollar trade in high-end Sydney housing.
Recently updated property settlement records show Dean Hales, one son of the Brethren’s “Man of God” Bruce Hales, has sold his landmark Beecroft residence for $7.25 million, making it the Sydney suburb’s highest house price sale. Dean’s brother, Gareth, has also recently sold about $14 million worth of property, while Gareth’s 25-year-old eldest son, Justin, has spent $8 million buying two neighbouring houses on large blocks in North Epping.
The Hales family has spent years accumulating a portfolio of and estates across Sydney’s north-west with a value totalling more than $75 million. Financial records reveal that the businesses of brothers Dean, Gareth and Charles Hales, between them made $1.2 billion in revenue in Austra.