Integrity Questions Envelop Queensland Government Ministers
A series of interrelated integrity questions have emerged involving two Queensland government ministers, Tim Mander and Amanda Camm, leading to referrals to the Australian Federal Police and the state's Crime and Corruption Commission.
Electoral Enrolment Referral
Referral to Federal Police
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) referred Queensland's Minister for Sport and the 2032 Olympic Games, Tim Mander, to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on May 19 regarding his electoral enrolment status.
The AEC stated it sought information from Mr. Mander about his enrolment and found "an absence of compelling evidence" to determine he resided at his enrolled address. The AFP confirmed receipt of a "report of a crime" from the AEC and stated an update will be provided at an appropriate time.
"An absence of compelling evidence" — Australian Electoral Commission, on Mr. Mander's enrolment status.
Mander's Response
Mr. Mander stated he had updated the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) with his correct details whenever his circumstances changed and that he did not want to undermine the AEC process. In May, he asserted an Arana Hills address was his principal place of residence from early January to the end of March.
In an April address to parliament, Mr. Mander said he had written to the ECQ to affirm he followed the appropriate process, citing a marriage separation and stating he updated the ECQ with correct details and complied with its requirements.
Decision to Step Aside
Mr. Mander announced he would step aside from his ministerial role while the matter is resolved. He stated he informed Premier David Crisafulli of his decision and had referred himself, providing information to demonstrate compliance. Premier Crisafulli said he was made aware of the AEC's advice at midday and accepted Mr. Mander's decision. Tourism Minister Andrew Powell will assume responsibility for Mr. Mander's portfolio, including sport and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Political Responses
Deputy Opposition Leader Cameron Dick called for Premier Crisafulli to stand Mr. Mander down, stating that members of parliament have a duty to be honest about where they live and are enrolled to vote.
Ministerial Relationship Disclosure
Timeline of the Relationship
Mr. Mander and Child Safety Minister Amanda Camm issued statements clarifying their personal relationship timeline. According to a joint statement:
- The relationship began in June 2023 and ended in May 2024 while they were in opposition.
- They were not in a relationship when sworn in as ministers after the Liberal National Party government took office in late 2024.
- They reconnected in June 2025 after Mr. Mander separated from his wife in April 2025.
Disclosure and Advice
The ministers stated they disclosed the relationship to cabinet on July 14, 2025. Mr. Mander said he sought advice from the Integrity Commissioner and the Clerk of the Parliament and made necessary declarations. Ms. Camm confirmed she "complied with integrity advice and conflict management plans" and made correct disclosures.
Sister-in-Law's Letter
A letter from Mr. Mander's sister-in-law, Lynne Waters, was sent to Premier Crisafulli on June 27, 2025, alleging the affair and potential undeclared conflicts of interest. Ms. Waters asked whether the relationship was disclosed before ministerial appointments, citing the Ministerial Code of Conduct requiring declaration of personal relationships that could cause conflicts of interest. Premier Crisafulli's chief of staff responded to the letter in early July 2025.
Premier's Response
Premier Crisafulli stated that Mr. Mander and Ms. Camm informed him they were aware of the code of conduct and acted appropriately. He said individuals with evidence of ministerial code of conduct breaches should report it to the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) .
Opposition Referrals and Reactions
Crime and Corruption Commission Referral
The Queensland opposition referred Premier Crisafulli, Mr. Mander, and Ms. Camm to the CCC. Opposition Leader Steven Miles stated the government left Labor with no choice, citing an "integrity crisis" and the ministers' unwillingness to answer questions. The opposition's letter to the CCC requests an investigation and that any report be made public.
In response, the government referenced a section of the Crime and Corruption Act that makes it an offence to make complaints vexatiously, not in good faith, or recklessly.
Other Political Reactions
Deputy Opposition Leader Cameron Dick called for the release of documents on how the conflict was handled, citing potential impacts on government decisions. He questioned the timing of the relationship resumption coinciding with Ms. Waters' letter. Opposition Leader Steven Miles said Labor would consider a CCC referral after gaining a fuller public picture.
Sailing Event Decision
The opposition raised concerns about whether the conflict could have affected decisions such as moving the 2032 Olympic sailing to Ms. Camm's Whitsundays electorate. Mr. Mander denied allegations that Ms. Camm advocated for moving the sailing events.
Parliamentary Register Disclosure
Shareholding Declaration
Ms. Camm updated her parliamentary register of interests to include shares in family companies following media reports of non-disclosure. Ms. Camm told parliament she believed she had made the correct declaration and had no intent to mislead. She declared her directorship of these companies after advice from the parliament's clerk.
Previous Apology
Ms. Camm apologized to parliament in 2021 for failing to declare a company and trust in which she had an interest.
Premier's Defense
Premier Crisafulli defended Ms. Camm, stating that discussing arrangements for caring for a family member is a "no-go zone." Both claimed Ms. Camm had no financial benefit from the arrangement.
Political Reactions
Labor tabled documents claiming Ms. Camm became a shareholder in 2024 and failed to update her register. Opposition Leader Steven Miles asked when she would take responsibility. Ms. Camm called the questions "gutter politics" and accused Labor of politicizing a family member's death.