Queensland’s Olympics Minister Tim Mander has denied any wrongdoing after reports revealed he enrolled to vote at the address of a staff member a situation that has prompted Labor to demand clarity over his living arrangements.
Speaking ahead of a party room meeting, the Everton MP insisted he had always complied with the Electoral Commission of Queensland’s (ECQ) requirements. “I have updated the Electoral Commission of Queensland with my correct details every time my circumstances have changed,” he told reporters.
The Australian newspaper reported that Mander had been enrolled at the same address as one of his electorate staff. His office, however, declined to confirm whether he had actually lived at that location. When asked directly if he had ever lived with his electorate officer, Mander did not answer, instead repeating that he had met “every obligation” under electoral law.
Deputy Labor leader Cameron Dick called on the government to explain the situation, saying Queenslanders deserved honesty. “Where has he been living, and where has he been enrolled to vote?” he asked.
On Monday afternoon, Mander again stated he had complied with all ECQ requirements. The ECQ later issued a statement confirming that MPs are legally entitled to be enrolled in the electorate they represent, even if they do not reside there. Mander has been enrolled in Everton since 2013 under section 64(4) of the Electoral Act.
Premier David Crisafulli declined to answer questions about the matter as he entered an LNP meeting. It is understood the staff member’s address was outside the Everton electorate, raising further questions about the minister’s enrolment history.
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