No charges to be laid over red shirts scandal
Sixteen Victorian Labor politicians have been exonerated by police over their involvement in an election rorts scheme.
An investigation linked to the state's 2014 election, during which taxpayer funds were used to pay electorate officers campaigning for Labor, came to head today.
Two men are still being investigated, but they were not MPs or field organisers for potential fraud matters.
DC Shane Patton speaks to the media during a police press conference in Melbourne, Thursday, February 14, 2019. AAP
“The fraud and extortion squad have determined no charges will be laid against any of the electorate officers in this matter. No charges will be laid against any of the 16 members of parliament ... as well," Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said.
Ombudsman Deborah Glass found 21 past and present Labor MPs systematically misused public money during the party's successful 2014 election campaign, with $388,000 in taxpayer funds approved for electorate officers who instead worked as campaign staff.
Mr Patton said police had requested to interview all of the politicians involved but each refused.
Labor has repaid the $388,000.
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