Labor MP Ali France is under investigation by the Australian Electoral Commission following a complaint about her enrolment details.
The issue was raised by Queensland Liberal senator James McGrath, who has formally referred France to the AEC over claims she is registered to vote at what he describes as a vacant block of land.
In a statement, McGrath said, “It has come to light that Ms France is currently enrolled to vote at a vacant block of land as her principal residence, which has sat empty for a significant period of time.”
He went on to argue that this could constitute a breach of the Electoral Act, adding, “Under AEC guidelines and regulations this would suggest a clear breach of the Act and therefore should be investigated with the upmost seriousness and in a timely manner”.
McGrath also took a sharper swipe, saying, “A Labor MP being enrolled at a vacant block of land is as dodgy as they come. Simple as that.”
The AEC has confirmed it received the complaint and reiterated that all such matters are assessed.
“The AEC treats the integrity of the electoral roll and the application of legislation as matters of the highest importance. The AEC investigates all matters raised with us to confirm that Commonwealth electoral laws have been adhered to,” a spokesperson told 9News.
France has pushed back on the claims, stating she has complied with all relevant requirements.
“I have made all the appropriate declarations including my register of members’ interests,” she said in a statement.
“I will of course comply completely with any request for information from the Australian Electoral Commission.”
Further context around the property has also emerged. France told the Daily Mail that the block is currently vacant because her home was demolished earlier this year to make way for a new build that better accommodates her disability needs.
“I have lived at the address for five years and will continue to live at the address into future,” she said, adding that the rebuild is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“My son and I are very much looking forward to moving back when construction is complete.”
According to the AEC’s own guidelines, voters who are temporarily absent from their enrolled address do not necessarily need to update their details if they intend to return.
The guidance states: “If you are absent from your enrolled address for a period of time but have an intention to return to that address to live, you do not need to update your enrolment. This includes if you intend to rebuild your house in the event of a disaster.”
The matter was also raised during Senate estimates, where AEC commissioner Jeff Pope indicated the situation would be examined if questions remained about whether the address was genuinely the individual’s place of residence.
For now, the situation sits with the AEC as it works through the complaint, with both sides holding firm on their positions.
Lead: Getty
The post Labor MP Ali France Reported To AEC Over Enrolment Address Claims appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
.png?w=600)
