The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has referred allegations concerning the electoral enrolment of Queensland Liberal National Party minister Tim Mander to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for investigation. The claims suggest Mander may have committed a potential criminal offence by enrolling to vote at a staffer's home address without residing there.
Minister Steps Aside
Queensland's Olympics Minister, Tim Mander, has stepped down from his cabinet position following the referral. In a statement released late Thursday, Mander expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved but acknowledged the need to avoid distractions from government work. "I have total confidence this will be resolved and Labor's attacks disproved," he said. "However, I have no intention of this becoming a distraction to the important work of the Government and so this afternoon I advised the Premier I am standing aside today as Minister while this is being sorted."
Background of Allegations
The allegations, first reported by The Australian, claim that Mander registered to vote at the home of an electorate officer in Brisbane's northern suburbs without living there. Mander, a former NRL referee and Scripture Union chief executive, has denied any wrongdoing and stated that he has complied with electoral laws at all times. He told parliament last week that he had updated the Electoral Commission of Queensland with his correct details when his circumstances changed.
Labor deputy opposition leader Cameron Dick called on Premier David Crisafulli to stand Mander down while the allegations were investigated. New reports questioned whether Mander had ever lived at the address in question.
AEC Statement
The AEC confirmed it had assessed the matter and provided Mander with an opportunity to submit supporting information. However, the commission stated that there is currently an absence of compelling evidence to determine that Mander resided at the enrolled address. As a result, on 19 May, the AEC referred the matter to the AFP for consideration and any appropriate action.
The AEC's statement noted that the issues concern a potential criminal offence under the Criminal Code Act 1995, making it appropriate for the AFP to handle. Under electoral law, voters are only eligible to enrol at an address if they have lived there for more than a month, and providing false or misleading information can result in penalties.
Mander's Response
Mander addressed parliament on 21 April regarding his enrolment, explaining that he had experienced a marriage separation over a year ago and had friends to turn to for support. He stated that he updated the Electoral Commission of Queensland with his correct details when his circumstances changed and affirmed that he has followed appropriate processes. "I am currently enrolled at my permanent address and I have complied with the requirements of the Electoral Commission of Queensland at all times," he said.
Mander also noted that he had referred the matter to the AEC himself and provided information to prove that he followed the right processes and made all necessary declarations.
