Qld: Vote rigging scandal could spread interstate

AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-2000
Qld: Vote rigging scandal could spread interstate

The Queensland opposition says investigations into the state's vote-rigging scandal
may spread nationwide.

Liberal leader DAVID WATSON says the three investigations into vote-rigging may expose
the involvement of former and present ALP MPs.

He was in Canberra yesterday to personally brief Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD on the
vote rigging claims.

Dr WATSON says the Liberal party believes a full and open judicial inquiry will lead
to the building housing the offices of Premier PETER BEATTIE and Deputy Premier JIM ELDER.

Mr BEATTIE has reacted angrily, saying he'll launch legal action if Dr WATSON continues
to make untrue and unsubstantiated statements.

Dr WATSON says claims of vote-rigging in the ALP have been raised in other states.

He says it's particularly important the claims of electoral fraud be fully investigated
as federal and state elections are due next year.





Former ALP state candidate KAREN EHRMANN was jailed for electoral fraud on August 11,
despite claiming to be a bit-player in a wider vote-rigging system.

Queensland's corruption watchdog, the Criminal Justice Commission, and an all-party
federal parliamentary committee are examining claims of electoral fraud raised in the
EHRMANN court hearing.

AAP RTV bja/sc/jtb/smf

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