The Crime and Misconduct Commission’s (CMC) reopened investigation into an allegation of electoral bribery has found there is no evidence that a criminal offence was committed within the meaning of Section 98C of the Queensland Criminal Code.
In 2011 the CMC investigated an allegation that an inducement was offered to Dr Bruce Flegg to vacate his seat of Moggill. The CMC found no evidence to support the allegation and no further action was taken.
In June 2013, the CMC received new material relevant to this matter. After assessing this material, the CMC determined it was appropriate to reopen its original investigation.
The CMC engaged former District Court Judge Mr Gary Forno, QC, to oversight the reopened investigation and to carefully consider the evidence.
The reopened investigation has found (in line with the earlier investigation) that although the seat of Moggill was a topic of discussion among members of the Liberal National Party prior to the state election, there is no evidence that a criminal offence of electoral bribery was committed within the meaning of Section 98C of the Criminal Code.
The CMC received Mr Forno's advice late last week. The CMC has considered the evidence gathered during the investigation and concurs with Mr Forno's advice that there is no offence of electoral bribery.
The CMC has today notified relevant parties of the finding.
