Olympics minister Tim Mander wins clearance to return after probe
The Queensland Olympics boss was stepped aside over a federal enrolment referral amid questions over integrity and disclosure.
Queensland’s Olympics minister is back at the starting line, reclaiming the Games portfolio just weeks after stepping aside over a federal electoral enrolment probe.
Tim Mander stood down while the Australian Federal Police considered an Australian Electoral Commission referral over his decision to enrol to vote at a staffer’s home amid the breakdown of his 40‑plus year marriage.
Premier David Crisafulli has confirmed Mr Mander has been cleared by Australian Federal Police.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.‘’Last night, when I arrived in Far North Queensland, I got an update from Minister Tim Mander to advise that the AFP investigation has run its course and found that the allegations against him are false,” Mr Crisafulli said on Thursday.
“I’m going to say that again: the allegations are proven to be false. He remains the minister. He’s back at work today.”
The Liberal National Party frontbencher had already been under pressure over his undeclared relationship with Families and Child Safety Minister Amanda Camm.
Labor referred the matter to the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission over potential conflicts of interest linked to Olympic venues, community grants and funding in their electorates.
At the time, Mr Mander insisted he had followed ‘‘the right processes’‘ and welcomed the AEC referral as a way to disprove what he called a ‘‘baseless smear campaign’‘.
He wrote to the state election watchdog about his enrolment at a staffer’s home and has since registered at a permanent address with Ms Camm outside his electorate, saying he remained compliant with Queensland’s rules that allow MPs to be enrolled in their seat even if they live elsewhere.
Mr Mander had said he did not want the controversy to distract from the government’s work and would remain on the sidelines while the AFP weighed any further action.
He has now resumed his ministerial duties as Olympics minister and is expected to address the media on Thursday.
Mr Crisafulli used the AFP’s finding to lash his political opponents, arguing they should now explain their role in amplifying the claims
‘’Given that the allegations are proven to be false, it would be great if the people who were levelling the allegations would stand up today and make comment about that, particularly the Leader of the Opposition,’‘ he said.
‘’You can’t cry wolf over and over and over again without being held accountable. There’s a shopping list of things at the moment where there’s been allegations made — serious allegations — that have proven to be false time and time again.’‘
