Queensland’s Olympics Minister Tim Mander has stood aside from cabinet after being referred to police by the Australian Electoral Commission.
The AEC confirmed in a statement on Thursday that it had made the referral to the Australian Federal Police following allegations Mr Mander had enrolled to vote at a staffer’s home address last year without living there.
“The AEC sought information regarding this matter — this included an opportunity for Mr Mander to provide information to support his enrolment claim,” an AEC spokesperson said.
“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.
“As such, on May 19 the AEC referred this matter to the AFP for their consideration, and any action they consider appropriate.”
Mr Mander released a statement overnight, revealing he had informed Premier David Crisafulli that he was “standing aside” while the matter was resolved.
“I referred this matter myself and provided information as requested, so it could be proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have followed the right processes and all appropriate declarations and disclosures have been made,” he said.
“I have total confidence this will be resolved and Labor’s attacks disproved, however, I have no intention of this becoming a distraction to the important work of the government.”
