RYAN 'VOTE DEAL' PROBE UNDER WAY

The ALP is being investigated over allegations that it was given
preferences in return for assisting a minor party candidate in the Ryan
byelection.

Queensland Electoral Commissioner Bob Longland said he would examine the
complaint for possible breaches of the Commonwealth Electoral Act, and
decide whether to refer it to the Federal Police or the Director of Public
Prosecutions.

The development casts a shadow over Labor's narrow victory in the once
blue-ribbon Liberal seat in Brisbane's western suburbs.

Labor candidate Leonie Short declined to comment yesterday on claims that
Nigel Freemarijuana, representing the HEMP Party, directed preferences to
her in return for campaign favors.

Ms Short should win Ryan by about 250 votes when the final figures are
released on Friday. Although her Liberal opponent, Bob Tucker, conceded
defeat at the weekend, Ms Short has not claimed victory.

Mr Freemarijuana said his preferences were directed to Ms Short because the
ALP had assisted him with some photocopying.

Mr Freemarijuana, who could not be reached for comment yesterday, claimed
the photocopying was done in the office of a state Labor MP, Julie Attwood,
and that a Labor "lackey" had helped his campaign.

Liberal scrutineers estimate Labor received second preferences of 80 per
cent of the 1700 electors who voted for Mr Freemarijuana.

The Electoral Act prohibits a candidate from asking for, receiving or
obtaining benefits "of any kind" to influence the allocation of preferences.

On Sunday Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, who has weathered a storm over
Labor electoral rorting allegations, dismissed the claims as baseless and
said Ms Attwood knew nothing of the matter.

But yesterday Ms Attwood released a brief statement that left open the
possibility that photocopying was done in her office.

Ms Attwood said she would not risk her reputation or her job, knowing the
implications of what might happen. Although she denied any allegations of
wrongdoing, she would speak to her staff.

The Liberals' Queensland director, Graham Jaeschke, said a complaint was
lodged late yesterday with the Commonwealth Electoral Commission.

"The 1700 votes received by Nigel Freemarijuana were pivotal in getting
Labor over the line," Mr Jaeschke said.

"Such a candidate would not normally be giving second preferences to one of
the major parties. This is a serious allegation, and it needs investigation."

Mr Longland said he expected the commission would want to interview Mr
Freemarijuana. Breaches of the relevant Electoral Act provisions mean a
penalty of a $5000 fine or two years' jail.

In a similar case, the Federal Police found that Labor frontbencher Wayne
Swan had no case to answer over allegations that he paid the Australian
Democrats in return for receiving preferences in the seat of Lilley.