Electoral watchdog to investigate Liberal MP Andrew Laming over dozens of Facebook pages

The Australian Electoral Commission is investigating coalition MP Andrew Laming over dozens of Facebook pages operating without political authorisation disclosures.

Liberal Member for Bowman Andrew Laming during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Wednesday, February 13, 2019.

Liberal Member for Bowman Andrew Laming. Source: 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.

The Guardian Australia reported Mr Laming was behind the pages, which attack political opponents with pro-LNP material.

An Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) spokesperson confirmed the Facebook activity would be investigated over the requirement for electoral authorisation designed to allow voters know who is communicating.

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 is called the Redlands Institute, which describes itself as a forum for balanced discussion of major issues.

Dr Laming is quitting 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 says there was nothing untoward.

He is also under fire after he was confronted with allegations of 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.


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2 min read
Published 7 April 2021 3:00pm
Updated 7 April 2021 3:41pm
Source: AAP, SBS


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