An embattled federal MP who was last month forced to apologise for harassing women online is now under investigation from the electoral commission.
The actions of embattled Liberal MP Andrew Laming have again come under the microscope, with the Australian Electoral Commission confirming they have launched an investigation into his social media accounts.
The probe was sparked by revelations the federal member for Bowman created more than 30 Facebook pages and profiles to promote the LNP and attack Labor opponents.
Mr Laming is alleged to have operated the pages under the guise of community groups, news pages and an educational institute, The Guardian reports.
However, none of the pages include political authorisation disclosures required under the laws governing electoral communication.
“With regard to the Facebook activity mentioned in the Guardian article published yesterday, I can confirm that we will be investigating the requirement for electoral authorisation,” an AEC spokesman said in a statement.
“A key purpose of the authorisation laws is to allow voters to know who is communicating.
“To require an authorisation statement the communication needs to be deemed ‘electoral matter’.”
Mr Laming, who is on a month of medical leave, refused to comment on the investigation.
The development is another blow for the Morrison government – which is requiring Mr Laming to undergo empathy training – after he took a photograph of a woman with her underwear exposed in a Brisbane shop.
Police last month confirmed they would not file charges.
He was also forced to apologise for harassing a series of women online.
In the wake of the scandals, Mr Laming announced last month he would not run again at the next election.
