George Christensen slams ‘vile smear campaign’ over Asia trips

A Queensland federal MP has spectacularly slammed “gutless” and “vengeful” political enemies for a “vile and hateful smear campaign” over his trips to South-East Asia.

Member for Dawson George Christensen with fiancee April Asuncion

QUEENSLAND federal MP George Christensen has spectacularly slammed “gutless” and “vengeful” political enemies for a “vile and hateful smear campaign” to try to bring down him and the Federal Government.

The Nationals MP has denied any suggestion his trips to South-East Asia were not for proper purposes, and provided legal advice stating he is not, and never was, under formal investigation for criminal activity.

The Courier-Mail has confirmed this with law-enforcement agencies.

Member for Dawson George Christensen in Parliament

Mr Christensen, who has decided to out himself as the MP at the centre of rumours, has provided a detailed account of his philanthropy and holidays in South-East Asia, where his fiancee lives.

Earlier this year, Australian Federal Police were tasked to inquire into Mr Christensen’s frequent trips. It was quickly determined there was nothing to investigate.

“All the innuendo is false,’’ Mr Christensen said in a detailed statement.

“Apart from jaywalking or speeding, I have never, in my entire life, committed a criminal offence either in Australia or overseas.

“My lawyer has received a letter from the (AFP) that dismisses notions that I have committed a criminal offence.

“This would be the third time I’ve been vexatiously referred to the AFP for alleged offences by my political opponents … but this is by far the worst.

Allies of George Christensen have blamed the office of former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, whose spokesman rejected the claim.

“If I had known that such House of Cards scenarios would be rolled out, I would never have gotten into politics in the first place.”

Mr Christensen took aim at those who want him gone from his marginal seat of Dawson in north Queensland.

“If someone wants me out of Parliament, beat me the old-fashioned way on the hustings, not through smear,’’ he said.

Colleagues have rallied around Mr Christensen, and were blaming the office of former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull for the leak.

A spokesman for Mr Turnbull said the claim “we are involved is rubbish”.

“The Prime Minister’s Office has made it clear that the complaint was from the Labor Party,” he said.

Mr Christensen said the only reason for the “vile, hateful” smear campaign was that he had fought for his electorate.

“These people are gutless, the lowest of the low, to stoop to such actions,” he said.

Mr Christensen, who has strong Christian faith and aims to become a deacon, revealed how he met his Filipino fiancee April and how he supports her and her family.

George Christensen has outlined visits to his fiancee in the Philippines and other places.

He travels to the Philippines regularly at his own cost to see his friends and April.

“I met April in early 2017, through a good friend I’ve made over there,” Mr Christensen said in his statement.

“We caught up at a small karaoke bar and my singing talents obviously impressed her.

“While we clicked, we also didn’t think anything serious would come of it but we stayed in touch.

“But it did get serious and I have visited April several times since we met, and she has visited me twice.

“We also both travelled to meet in Bali last year.

“I spent Christmas last year in the Philippines with April and got to meet her whole family, including father, mother, brothers, sisters and grandmother.

“I have travelled with April to meet various uncles, aunties and cousins and her cousin’s families as well.”

Mr Christensen confirmed he sent money to his fiancee, who works in her family’s convenience store, every month.

He also said that, during visits to the country, he had met the husband of the former Philippines Ambassador to Australia, charity groups, youth political leaders and various church leaders.

“In January this year, at the request of a local constituent, I caught up with members of the RSL who have a sub-branch in the Philippines,” he said.

“These men were putting together flat-packed wheelchairs for disabled kids.

“The wheelchairs were sent from Australia.

“After seeing the good work they do, I helped raise some money for this sub-branch’s efforts, including donating $1000 of my own to help purchase a new truck to run their medical missions.”