LNP denies claims leader Deb Frecklington reported to electoral watchdog

The Queensland Opposition Leader’s party has backed her after reports she had been referred to the election watchdog just weeks from the state poll.

LNP Leader Deb Frecklington has reportedly been referred to the ECQ over fears a series of fundraisers breach anti-corruption laws. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

With just weeks to go until Queenslanders head to the polls, the state’s Opposition Leader is at the centre of a political crisis after reports her own party referred her to the state election watchdog.

The ABC reported Liberal National Party leader Deb Frecklington had been referred to the Electoral Commission of Queensland, over alleged concerns about a series of fundraising events that could have violated laws intended to curtail the political influence of property developers.

The LNP has insisted there no such complaint was made.

The ABC reported a number of attendees made donations totalling “almost $150,000” over a series of events, which could have violated laws introduced in 2018 to curb the risk of corruption around government decisions on development projects.

The LNP said “the ABC’s allegation that the LNP has referred Deb Frecklington to the ECQ is false”.

“It has not,” an LNP spokesman said.

“The LNP regularly communicates with the ECQ to ensure that we comply with the Act.”

Ms Frecklington has spent the week in Queensland campaigning alongside Prime Minister Scott Morrison, with the pair expected to host a LNP fundraiser at the Brisbane Convention Centre on Tuesday.

Extra security is expected to be present at the event, after Mr Morrison had to be escorted from a media opportunity at the University of Queensland on Monday after protesters damaged his car.

“Anyone who donates to the party must complete a declaration that they are not a prohibited donor,” Ms Frecklington told the ABC in a statement.

“There is transparency about who has donated and who hasn’t donated.”

The ECQ has not confirmed or denied whether it is investigating Ms Frecklington or other people named in the referral.

Ms Frecklington is expected to front the media later today.