30 November 2000

On Monday morning, 27 November 2000, the office of the Special Minister of State, Senator Chris Ellison, asked the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) for comment on an article by Chris Griffith, entitled "Democrats probe donation", published in the Courier Mail newspaper that morning, and on a transcript of an interview broadcast that same morning on radio 4QR in Brisbane.

In accordance with standard practice in relation to allegations of breaches of section 326 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Electoral Act), the AEC referred this material to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for preliminary advice on whether the offence of electoral bribery might be suggested on the face of the material provided.

At 2.15pm today, the DPP provided the AEC with its advice on the allegations relating to the ALP and the Australian Democrats in the Division of Lilley at the 1996 federal election. The AEC is currently considering the DPP advice.

No further public comment will be issued by the AEC today.

Mark Cunliffe
A/g Electoral Commissioner
3.30pm, 30 November 2000

Media enquiries: 

Anthea Wilson, Acting Director Information (02) 6271 4411