Australia’s electoral commission has launched an investigation into Queensland Olympics Minister Tim Mander over allegations that he incorrectly enrolled to vote at an address where he does not reside. The matter emerged after it was reported that Mander, a former rugby league referee and member of the Liberal National Party (LNP), had registered to vote at the rental home of one of his electorate officers in Brisbane’s Arana Hills, which lies outside his Everton electorate.

Neighbours at the Arana Hills address indicated they did not recognize Mander and questioned whether he had ever lived there. The minister has not confirmed residency at the location, but it is understood he considered the property a “home base” for receiving mail and storing belongings following his separation from his wife, Gayle, and the public revelation of his relationship with fellow minister Amanda Camm. Mander has denied any wrongdoing.

The controversy intensified when Labor state secretary Ben Driscoll formally requested the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to investigate Mander’s electoral enrolment declarations. In a letter addressed to Australian Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope, Driscoll urged the commission to scrutinize Mander’s compliance with section 101 of the Electoral Act 1918 (Cth) and consider referring the case to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. The letter highlighted potential breaches under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) regarding the provision of false or misleading information in relation to enrolment.

An AEC spokesperson emphasized the commission’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral roll and stated that all complaints are thoroughly examined to ensure adherence to federal electoral legislation.

The situation is complicated by differences between state and federal electoral laws. Under Queensland law, MPs may apply for special dispensation to enrol in the electorate they represent rather than the district in which they live. Mander was granted such dispensation in 2013, when he resided in the neighboring Ferny Grove electorate. However, no comparable allowance exists under the federal Electoral Act. The Electoral Commission of Queensland confirmed that enrolment must be based on residence and that individuals must have lived at the address for at least one month to be eligible to vote there.

In a personal explanation to parliament, Mander acknowledged his separation but maintained that he had complied with all relevant enrolment requirements. “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,” he said, adding that his personal situation is publicly known and that he had support from friends during the period of uncertainty.

The investigation by the AEC is ongoing, with authorities assessing whether Mander’s enrolment is legitimate under federal electoral law.