Matthew Millar: One Nation suspend Thuringowa candidate’s election campaign

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party has suspended the campaign of one of its North Queensland candidates set to contest the upcoming state election.

The Facebook page belonging to One Nation’s Thuringowa candidate Matthew Millar. The candidate has been suspended, “effective immediately”. Picture: Supplied

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party has suspended the campaign of one of its North Queensland candidates set to contest the upcoming state election.

The candidate is former Australian Defence Force service member Matthew Millar who has been campaigning for the seat of Thuringowa, currently held by Labor MP Aaron Harper.

The party confirmed on Wednesday evening that the suspension was to allow Millar the opportunity to gather material to respond to claims concerning a previous relationship.

News Corp Australia is not suggesting any wrongdoing by Mr Millar, who was contacted earlier on Wednesday but hung up.

It is understood that Mr Millar vigorously rejects the allegations.

Townsville man Matthew Millar, a former member of the ADF. Picture: Supplied

A campaign corflute belonging to One Nation’s Thuringowa candidate Matthew Millar. The party has hit pause on Mr Millar’s candidacy at the upcoming state election as it investigates allegations made against the aspiring politician. The allegations have been denied. Picture: Supplied

A source within the party said the suspension of the candidacy was to allow it “to seek evidence from Matthew” and others to present information as part of an investigation.

“It will be conducted fairly and thoroughly, we just want to consider that all facts are (taken into account).”

One Nation’s Thuringowa candidate Matthew Millar. Picture: Supplied

The Facebook page ‘Matthew Millar for Thuringowa - Pauline Hanson’s One Nation’ was still active on Wednesday evening but a link on the page to Mr Millar’s profile page on the party’s website was not working.

“Maybe Albo broke the internet (again),” the 404 error message read, “or maybe the page you were looking for was just not found on our amazing new website.”

Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson, also known as Troy Birnbrauer, who continues to cling to power despite admitting to making false claims about his military service and university education, also had his candidacy questioned by One Nation – albeit for different reasons.

Mr Thompson was booted from the One Nation ticket for Thuringowa ahead of the 2020 elections after it emerged he had not been honest about the fact he had two names and his history before the courts.

The Facebook page belonging to One Nation’s Thuringowa candidate Matthew Millar. The candidate has been suspended, “effective immediately”. Picture: Supplied

It is understood that Mr Millar had been sent a letter informing him of the party’s decision to suspend him, “effective immediately”, on Wednesday.

It is understood One Nation was contacted by a person who shared concerns about the appropriateness of Mr Millar’s candidacy.

News Corp was contacted by a second person on the same day.

Originally published as Matthew Millar: One Nation suspend Thuringowa candidate’s election campaign