Queensland’s minister for the 2032 Olympics has been referred to the federal police over allegations he falsely enrolled to vote at a staffer’s home while not living there.
Tim Mander wrote to state and federal electoral authorities last month after details of his living arrangements after a separation from his wife of 44 years were made public.
While state laws allow MPs to be enrolled to vote in their electorate despite not living there, federal laws do not – and include criminal offences for providing false or misleading information.
In a statement on Thursday, an Australian Electoral Commission spokesperson said the agency had made enquiries about the matter and given Mander a chance to provide supporting evidence.
“While a determination has not been made, the AEC does consider that there is currently an absence of compelling evidence to determine Mr Mander resided at the enrolled address,” the spokesperson said.
“As such, on 19 May the AEC referred this matter to the AFP [Australian Federal Police] for their consideration, and any action they consider appropriate.”
“As the matters in question concern a potential criminal offence under the Criminal Code Act 1995, the appropriate authority to undertake any further investigation into these issues is the Australian Federal Police.”
Mander has previously denied wrongdoing.
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Matt Dennien is a reporter at Brisbane Times covering state politics, parliament and the public sector. He has previously worked for newspapers in Tasmania and Brisbane community radio station 4ZZZ. Contact him securely on Signal @mattdennien.15Connect via email.
