Fed: AFP to investigate Swan election payment

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2000
Fed: AFP to investigate Swan election payment

CANBERRA, Dec 1 AAP - The Australian Federal Police (AFP) was today called in to investigate
an ALP payment to the Australian Democrats during the 1996 federal election.

Labor frontbencher Wayne Swan confirmed the payment was made but denied it was in return
for Democrats preferences in his seat.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) said advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions
(DPP) on the payment was inconclusive, so the matter would now go to the AFP.

"Following discussions with the DPP late yesterday, the AEC decided this afternoon
that the matter should be referred to the AFP for investigation. This has now been done,"

the AEC said in a statement.

The move means Mr Swan will be forced to stand down from the ALP frontbench.

AAP jg/apm E

KEYWORD: SWAN POLICE

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