But at the time he is accused of instead living in taxpayer-funded accommodation at parliament.
“How can Queenslanders trust this minister when he couldn’t answer the most basic question: where do you live?” Deputy Opposition Leader Cameron Dick said.
Mander denied any wrongdoing, referring himself to the Electoral Commission of Queensland.
“I have full confidence I’ve complied with every requirement of the ECQ and the AEC [Australian Electoral Commission] and I have no issue to hide, Mr Speaker,” he said on April 23.
“That is why I self-referred.”
It was sent up the chain to the AEC.
“The AEC does consider there is currently an absence of compelling evidence to determine Mr Mander resided at the enrolled address,” it declared last week, noting the matters in question related to a potential criminal offence.
Late this afternoon, Mander announced he was standing aside after news broke he had been referred to the Australian Federal Police for possible investigation.
He was made aware of the development last night and maintained he’d followed the correct processes and that it was his decision to stand aside
“I have no intention of this becoming a distraction to the important work of the government and so this afternoon I advised the premier I am standing aside today as minister while this is being sorted,” he said today.
He acknowledged this all started with the breakdown of his marriage, and he updated his electoral records to say he was living at an Arana Hills address.
He is now a backbencher and will cease receiving ministerial pay and perks.
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