Labor MP referred to AEC over claim she’s enrolled at vacant plot of land

The Labor MP who unseated Peter Dutton at the last election has been referred to the electoral commission over claims she is enrolled to vote at a vacant block of land in the Brisbane electorate.

In a statement released by Queensland senator James McGrath on Wednesday, the Liberal said he had written to the Australian Electoral Commission, requesting an immediate investigation into Dickson MP Ali France over alleged breaches of the Electoral Act.

“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,” McGrath wrote in a statement.

“Under AEC guidelines and regulations this would suggest a clear breach of the Act and therefore should be investigated with the upmost seriousness,” he said.

“A Labor MP being enrolled at a vacant block of land is as dodgy as they come. Simple as that.”

AEC Commissioner Jeff Pope told a sitting of Senate estimates yesterday that a matter of this nature would need to be examined, under questioning from McGrath.

The AEC confirmed on Wednesday morning that they received McGrath’s letter.

“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 said.

In a brief statement to this masthead, France said she would comply with requests for information from the commission.

France told the Daily Mail she had demolished a house on the now vacant lot in February “to build a new home that is more suited to my needs as a disabled woman”.

“It should be completed by the end of the year and my son and I are very much looking forward to moving back when construction is complete,” France said, rejecting claims she broke electoral rules.

The Electoral Act requires voters to update their address if they move to a new address for more than a month. Failure to update an address three weeks after that month can result in a fine.

During the 2019 election campaign, then home affairs minister Peter Dutton attacked France for “using her disability as an excuse” for not living in the electorate. At the time, France was living in a neighbouring electorate after investing $100,000 to make her home accessible.

At the time, France said she had difficulty finding a home inside the electorate that could accommodate her use of a wheelchair.

More to come.

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