The Australian Electoral Officer for Western Australia has referred a candidate’s nomination form to stand for election as a Senator in next month’s Federal election to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to examine if a false declaration has been made.
In a statement, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) said that former Senator Rodney Culleton was among those whose nomination as a candidate would be declared.
“This follows his lodgement of a fully completed nomination form and mandatory qualification checklist, together with the requisite $2,000 fee, before the close of nominations,” the Commission said.
It said that while it did not have the power to reject a fully completed candidate nomination for the Senate or the House of Representatives – even if the answer to any question on the qualification checklist was incorrect, false or inadequate – it had referred Mr Culleton’s prior disqualification by the High Court as an undischarged bankrupt to the police.
“A search of the National Personal Insolvency Index indicates that Mr Culleton is currently listed as an undischarged bankrupt,” the AEC said.
It said it would proceed with the election and Mr Culleton’s name would appear on the Western Australian ballot paper.
“The outcome of the AFP’s examination of this matter will be a matter for the AFP to advise in due course,” the Commission said.
