Mander returns as Qld racing minister after being cleared over voting query

Tim Mander has returned to his role in the Queensland government, resuming his position as racing minister, among his other portfolios, following an Australian Federal Police investigation.

Mander, a former NRL referee who has served as Queensland racing minister since David Crisafulli’s Liberal National Party government came to power in late 2024, returned to his duties on Thursday after stepping aside for two months.

He was referred to the police by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) in May after it was revealed that he had enrolled to vote at a staff member’s address.

However, the investigation cleared him of any wrongdoing, and he is free to resume his duties, which also include the Olympic and Paralympic Games and Sport portfolios.

“I am back at work from today,” he said at a press conference on Thursday morning.

“My innocence has been proven by the Australian Federal Police, so there’s no further discussion to be made.”

Mander said there was sufficient evidence to refute the allegations made against him.

“My integrity has been attacked. My reputation’s been smeared. My family’s been hurt … I’ve paid an enormous price,” he said.

“I’m not angry, I’m disappointed. It was a distressing situation for two months.

“I’m not getting into details that I’ve had with any investigative body because I’ve done what I’ve been asked to do, and that process has now taken place, and I’d ask that you respect that.”

Andrew Powell had been acting in Mander’s portfolios in his absence.

While the Olympic projects will be at the forefront of his priorities with the Brisbane Games now just over eight years away, Mander is also working with Racing Queensland on rolling out the recommendations of The Next Lap, the strategic plan for the future of racing in the state.

On its release in December, Mander described it as “a clear and inspiring roadmap to guide Queensland’s racing industry into a prosperous new era”.

Among the initiatives has been the establishment of a $200 million industry infrastructure fund, outlined in the recent state budget, to fund key projects over the coming years.

That includes $25 million allotted for the demolition of the condemned John Power stand at Eagle Farm, with negotiations progressing on how the rebuild will be funded.

The infrastructure fund is also set to bankroll a new Racing HQ at Albion Park.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie welcomed back the Olympic Minister at the press conference.

“The allegations have been disproved. He’s back at work today. That’s the result. He did nothing wrong,” he said.