AEC Statement: Dr Andrew Laming

The Australian Electoral Commission has instituted Federal Court proceedings against Dr Andrew Laming, the Member for Bowman, alleging he failed to authorise Facebook posts leading up to the 2019 Federal Election.

The AEC alleges that Dr Laming published unauthorised electoral matter in the form of a Facebook page, ‘Redland Hospital: Lets fight for fair funding’ and that this  contravened the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 requirement that material promoting one candidate or political party over another comply with the authorisation requirements of the Act.

The AEC will not be making any further comment as this matter is now before the Court.

Editor’s notes:

• The AEC has published a background document about electoral communications and authorisation requirements.