Prime Minister was briefed about AFP inquiry into George Christensen’s travel to SE Asia

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was briefed about AFP inquiries into Queensland Nationals MP George Christensen’s frequent travel to South-East Asia.

Scott Morrison was briefed on the nature of the Australian Federal Police inquiries into a Coalition MP’s frequent travel to South-East Asia shortly after taking office in August, it can be revealed.

The Prime Minister threw his support behind Coalition colleague George Christensen yesterday after the Queensland Nationals MP outed himself as the man who was previously at the centre of AFP inquiries.

Mr Christensen has denied any wrongdoing, saying the AFP had confirmed to him that it had “no evidence, or other information to support the allegation, or establish criminal conduct” after a “vexatious” claim against him.

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George Christensen, the member for Dawson, has denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Morrison said Mr Christensen, who has a Filipino fiancee, had been “pretty clear” about the nature of his travels.

But he would not say yesterday whether he had been briefed on the matter by the AFP, which has dropped its inquiries, saying he would not speak to what he “knew or didn’t know” when it came to police investigations.

“I think George has made it pretty clear about what the nature of those events were and I think it’s disappointing that even as recently as yesterday the Labor Party seemed to be wanting to kick it along. I just thought it was pretty grubby,” the PM said.

The Prime Minister threw his support behind George Christensen yesterday. Picture: AAP

Sources have told the Herald Sun Mr Morrison, along with deputy PM Michael McCormack, had been told of the details of the AFP’s line of inquiry.

Mr Christensen has accused Labor and a “former senior government MP” of waging a “vile and hateful smear campaign” against him, including allegations the AFP were concerned he could be at risk of being blackmailed.

The Herald Sun is not suggesting there is any evidence of the MP being guilty of an offence, only that his travel and activities abroad raised serious enough concern that he could be compromised.

Originally published as Prime Minister was briefed about AFP inquiry into George Christensen’s travel to SE Asia