Political Scandal Unfolds Over Sports Minister’s Voting Address
The Crisafulli government has found itself in the spotlight after revelations that the state’s sports minister is enrolled to vote at the address of a staffer, rather than residing within his electorate. This has led to calls for an explanation from both the public and political opponents.
Tim Mander, who serves as the Minister for Sport and Racing and the Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, has represented the seat of Everton since 2012. The electorate covers suburbs in Brisbane’s northwest, including Everton Park, Gaythorne, Albany Creek, and Eatons Hill. Mander, a former NRL referee, split from his wife Gayle at the start of last year. In July, he and Child Safety Minister Amanda Camm formally declared their relationship to Premier David Crisafulli.
At a recent cabinet meeting, it was reported that Mander and Camm had purchased a property together in Brisbane’s CBD, raising further questions about where Mander has been living since his separation from his wife. According to reports, Mander has spent most of his time living in accommodation attached to Parliament House. He was also found to be enrolled to vote at the rental home of a staffer in Arana Hills, although he does not reside there.
Mander has stated that he has always complied with the requirements set by the Electoral Commission. However, Queensland Deputy Labor Leader Cameron Dick has raised serious concerns about the situation, questioning whether Mander may have broken the law by providing false or misleading information to the Electoral Commission.
Under Queensland’s Criminal Code, a person who gives false or misleading information to the Electoral Commission can face up to seven years imprisonment if found guilty. Dick emphasized that Mander needs to answer the question of whether he was properly enrolled under the law of Queensland to vote.
Dick also urged Mander to ask the Electoral Commission to release his enrolment forms to clarify when and where he changed his address and enrolled to vote. “If Mr Mander can’t be trusted to be honest about where he’s living and where he is enrolled to vote in Queensland, how can they trust him for other things?” Dick asked.
It is important to note that MPs are not legally required to live in the electorate they represent. State members can enrol to vote in their own electorate if special notice is given to the commission.
In a statement provided to this masthead, Mander said he “updated the Electoral Commission of Queensland with the correct details when my circumstances have changed.” He added, “I am currently enrolled at my permanent address, and I have complied with my requirements to the ECQ at all times.”
Earlier in the day, Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie was asked about the revelations but refused to comment on the MP’s living arrangements. Purdie stated, “We’ve got a redistribution coming up, and they happen all the time, and MPs end up living in their electorate and living out of their electorate.” He added, “There’s no requirement [to live in your electorate], so you disclose where you live. I’m not going to comment on the decision that someone made in the best interest of themselves or their situation … it’s a personal issue.”
As the situation continues to unfold, the public awaits further clarification on the matter and the potential implications for the Crisafulli government.
