Fraud investigators drop case against Telmo Languiller and Don Nardella

FRAUD investigators have dropped a case against Labor Party MPs for rorting a taxpayer-funded allowance due to “insufficient evidence”. Police will not press charges against MPs Telmo Languiller and Don Nardella after they incorrectly claimed more than $130,000 in parliamentary allowances.

Don Nardella in Victorian Parliament. Picture: Nicole Garmston

FRAUD investigators have dropped a case against Labor Party MPs for rorting a taxpayer-funded allowance due to “insufficient evidence”.

The Herald Sun can reveal Victoria Police will not press charges against MPs Telmo Languiller and Don Nardella after they incorrectly claimed more than $130,000 in parliamentary allowances.

In a letter sent to the Opposition, Assistant Commissioner Stephen Fontana said “the investigation has determined that there is insufficient evidence to support any criminal charges, and that there are no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution if either member were charged.”

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Telmo Languiller. Picture: Tim Carrafa

A statement released by Victoria Police also confirmed the case had been dropped.

“A full and thorough investigation into this matter has been completed by Victoria Police and no charges will be laid,” the statement said.

“The matter is now considered closed and we will not be making any further comment.”

Mr Nardella - who has since resigned from the Labor Party - told the Herald Sun about 3pm that he had not been notified that police had dropped the case.

He said “nobody has told me” and that he could not comment until formally advised.

Mr Languiller said: “I welcome the decision by Victoria Police to take no further action on this matter, following the conclusion of an extensive investigation.”

“I look forward to continuing as the Member for Tarneit in the Parliament and delivering for the people of the western suburbs.”

Opposition spokesman John Pesutto said it was a concerning result.

“Yet again Labor MPs have got away with rorting taxpayers,” he said.

“Technicality or no technicality, the rorting of allowance is wrong.”

Government spokesman Bob Neilson acknowledged the police probe had come to an end.

“The Government notes the conclusion of this investigation, as we continue to overhaul Victoria’s out of date and inadequate MP entitlements system.”

Labor lower house MPs Telmo Languiller and Don Nardella were referred to Victoria Police in March last year after it was revealed they claimed the secondary-residence allowance while living in seaside homes outside of their electorates.

In April, Mr Nardella agreed to repay the $98,254 he claimed while living in Ocean Grove, plus a lump sum of about $16,000.

Mr Languiller has agreed to repay $40,000.

He fought the order to repay the money before reaching an agreement with the Victorian Parliament, prompting Premier Daniel Andrews to announce parliament would be given new powers to force rorting MPs to repay money claimed for allowances.

Mr Languiller, the former Speaker before the scandal, confirmed he will not run in this year’s election.

Mr Nardella, the former Deputy Speaker, will also retire.

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