AEC launches investigation into disgraced Coalition MP
Dr Laming says police investigated his controversial photo, and found no evidence of a crime. Photo: AAP
Embattled Liberal-National MP Andrew Laming is under investigation by the electoral commission over more than 30 Facebook pages operated without political authorisation disclosures.
Guardian Australia reported Mr Laming was behind the pages, which attack political opponents with pro-LNP material.
An Australian Electoral Commission spokesperson confirmed the Facebook activity would be investigated because of the requirement for electoral authorisation that is designed to allow voters know who is communicating.
He said authorisation laws require voters to know who is communicating.
“To require an authorisation statement, the communication needs to be deemed ‘electoral matter’,” the spokesman said.
The Facebook pages include Redland Bay Bulletin, which has a similar name to local news site the Redland City Bulletin.
“We welcome new families, update the issues and keep a close eye on politicians and their promises,” the Facebook page says.
Another, called the Redlands Institute, describes itself as a forum for balanced discussion of major issues.
Dr Laming will quit politics at the next election after being accused of harassing two female constituents and taking a photo of a woman while she was bending over.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has resisted calls to dump him from the Coalition party room with the government holding a wafer-thin majority in the lower house.
Dr Laming has not denied taking the photo without the woman’s consent but maintains there was nothing untoward.
He is also under fire after admitting to bullying, stalking and harassing various women over several years.
The 54-year-old has been given a month of paid medical leave to seek counselling and empathy training.
-AAP