Queensland’s embattled Olympics Games minister, Tim Mander, has stepped aside, after being referred to the Australian federal police over claims he may have committed a “potential criminal offence” when he allegedly enrolled to vote at a staffer’s home address last year without living there.
Mander, the sport and Olympics minister, has been under intensifying political pressure in recent weeks, since The Australian reported allegations that he registered to vote at the home of an electorate officer in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
Mander, a former NRL referee and Scripture Union chief executive has denied wrongdoing and told parliament last week he had complied with electoral laws “at all times”.
In a statement on Thursday, the Australian Electoral Commission said it had conducted an assessment of the matter, which had included providing Mander with an opportunity to provide information to support its enrolment claim.
The statement said electoral authorities “had not yet made a determination” about the matter but that that the AEC “does consider that there is now an absence of compelling evidence to determine Mr Mander resided at the enrolled address”.
“As such, on 19 May the AEC referred this matter to the AFP for their consideration, and any action they consider appropriate.”
Mander said he had “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”.
Mander said he had “referred this matter myself (to the Queensland electoral commission) 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 he had “total confidence this will be resolved” and Labor’s attacks disproved”.
Premier David Crisafulli said had accepted Mander’s decision to step aside.
“I was made aware of the AEC’s advice at lunchtime today and I have accepted Tim’s decision,” Crisafulli said.
“In the interim, [environment and tourism and science and innovation] minister [Andrew] Powell will be administering the portfolio responsibilities”.
The Guardian understands that Mander will effectively become a backbencher, and will not receive any of the pay or benefits of a minister after stepping aside, and will not be able to direct public servants or answer questions in parliament’s question time.
Mander, a former NRL referee and Scripture Union chief executive has denied wrongdoing and told parliament last week he had complied with electoral laws “at all times”.
Under electoral law, voters are only eligible for enrolment at an address if they have lived there for more than a month. The criminal code includes potential penalties for giving false or misleading information.
Mander gave a statement to parliament about his enrolment on 21 April.
“It is public knowledge that I had a marriage separation over a year ago, and many who have experienced similar circumstances would understand the uncertainty that can follow,” he said.
“During this period I am fortunate that I had friends to whom I could turn for support.
“I updated the Electoral Commission of Queensland with my correct details when my circumstances changed.
“I am currently enrolled at my permanent address and I have complied with the requirements of the Electoral Commission of Queensland at all times.
“To put this matter to rest, I have written to the Electoral Commissioner of Queensland to affirm that I have followed the appropriate processes.”
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