MP Shaoquett Moselmane denies he is a suspect in ASIO China espionage investigation

NSW Labor MP Shaoquett Moselmane has denied he is a suspect in an ASIO investigation into Chinese espionage, after federal police raided his home.

NSW Labor MP Shaoquett Moselmane has denied any wrongdoing after Australian Federal Police officers dramatically raided his Sydney home as part of an ASIO investigation into his relationship with China.

“I am not a suspect in this investigation,” he told reporters today.

“The investigation is linked to other people allegedly advancing the goals of a foreign government, namely the People‘s Republic of China. I am not sure what those goals are.”

Mr Moselmane, who joined the NSW upper house in 2009, is being examined for spouting pro-China views, most recently praising the communist nation for its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The investigation seeks to determine whether his office has been infiltrated with foreign agents.

Speaking in response to allegations made after his coronavirus remarks, Mr Moselmane said he had every right to “express his views”.

“I have never jeopardised the welfare of our country and our people,” he declared.

“In a democracy you are taught to express your views and the views I expressed on China and its leadership handling of the coronavirus were consistent with those of President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence as well as World Health Organisation.

“My views on China are, in my opinion, views that any Australian is entitled to, to have or to refute.”

Federal agents leave the home of NSW Labor MP Shaoquett Moselmane in Rockdale on Friday. Picture: Jonathan Ng

NSW Labor MP Shaoquett Moselmane is under investigation over his relationship with China. Picture: AAP Image/James Gourley

While Mr Moselmane has denied any wrongdoing, his Labor Party colleagues are desperate to distance themselves from the allegations.

NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay said on Sunday the party would move to suspend Mr Moselmane from parliament when it resumes from winter break in August following his suspension from the party after Friday’s raids.

“The decision we have made today as a leadership team is one that has been discussed over the past two days,” she said.

“This is a decision I don‘t take lightly.”

She said she had spoken to Mr Moselmane and hoped he would support the motion when it was put forward.

Footage of Friday’s raids showed about a dozen AFP officers entering the MP’s Rockdale home at 6.30am. They were joined by forensics officers later in the day.

The two-storey family home and three cars parked out the front were all searched, as was Mr Moselmane’s parliamentary office.

Mr Moselmane said the last few months, including Friday’s raids, had taken a heavy toll on his family.

“The last couple of months - in particular the last couple of days, have been a difficult and traumatic experience for my immediate and extended family and friends across New South Wales with terrible media allegations thrown at me, including treason, together with all the connotations it entails,” he said.

“The investigation has barely commenced and I am not, as I said earlier, I am not already a suspect.”

No charges have been laid.