The Labor Party has referred a number of Liberal National MPs to police amid claims they inappropriately used electorate office staff for political campaigning.
Victorian Deputy Premier James Merlino referred 18 members of the Parliament of Victoria to police regarding suspected inaccuracies during the 2014 electoral campaign.
‘I have requested that Victoria Police investigate the leave status of ministerial staff employed by the former Napthine government during the 2014 Victorian election campaign,’ he said in a statement obtained by The Age.
Victorian Deputy Premier James Merlino (pictured) referred 18 members of the Parliament of Victoria to police regarding suspected inaccuracies during the 2014 electoral campaign
‘It’s clear that a significant number of ministerial advisors did not take leave during the caretaker period and instead worked at the direction of then Liberal Party state director, and now convicted criminal, Damien Mantach.’
Mr Merlino’s argument stems from the possibility the Liberal Party had access to in excess of $2 million worth of taxpayer money as a result of this.
This money could have been used for the Liberal’s re-election campaign.
Mr Merlino’s argument stems from the possibility the Liberal Party had access to in excess of $2 million worth of taxpayer money as a result of the possible breach
The announcement comes amid building tensions within the Victorian Parliament, as Mr Merlino faces pressure to stand down MPs being currently investigated over misusing almost $400,000 of taxpayer money in the lead-up to the same election in 2014.
Two of the targeted MPs include shadow treasurer Michael O’Brien and shadow attorney-general John Pesutto.
A spokesperson from Victoria Police confirmed the Crime Command team would be investigating Mr Merlino’s complaint.
A spokesperson from Victoria Police confirmed the Crime Command team would be investigating Mr Merlino’s complaint
The Coalition has since referred to the matter as laughable.
‘This is a laughably desperate stunt from a desperate Premier who has six ministers under police investigation,’ a spokesman said.
The accusations come after police announced they would be reopening their probe into the Labor misdemeanor of 2014, which saw Labor reportedly misuse $388,000 of taxpayer funds.
The Coalition called for those involved to step down from parliament whilst the investigation was pending, in order to restore community trust in the parliamentary process.
Labor has refused this request, standing by the belief there is no need for ministers involved to stand down.
The government also insisted the MPs would still be welcome at future cabinet meetings.
The accusations come after police announced they would be reopening their probe into the Labor misdemeanor of 2014, which saw Labor reportedly misuse $388,000 of taxpayer funds