Andrew Broad: Mallee Nationals MP resigns as assistant minister

MALLEE federal Nationals MP Andrew Broad has resigned as an assistant minister after a magazine published allegations he used a dating site in Hong Kong last month.

Outspoken MP: Andrew Broad makes a point about the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017 in parliament last year.

MALLEE federal Nationals MP Andrew Broad has resigned as an assistant minister after a magazine published allegations he used a dating site in Hong Kong last month.

The former Victorian Farmers Federation president was elected to Federal Parliament as the Member for Mallee at the 2013 federal election.

He was appointed the assistant minister to National Party leader Michael McCormack following a ministerial reshuffle in August triggered by the change of prime minister from Malcolm Turnbull to Scott Morrison.

Mr McCormack said he had accepted Mr Broad’s resignation and a replacement would be announced “in due course”.

The Weekly Times is not suggesting the allegations are true, only that they have been made.

“Mr McCormack said due to the nature of the allegations made, it is appropriate for Mr Broad to resign as the Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister,” a statement released by his office said.

“He also stressed the matter may also be subject to future investigation and further media comment on such detail is not appropriate.

“Mr McCormack said Mr Broad will continue as an effective and hardworking member for Mallee, a role he has capably held since 2013.”

Mr Broad holds the Mildura-Horsham electorate on one of the safest margins nationwide, at more than 20 per cent.

The Mallee MP responded to New Idea over the Hong Kong claims, stating the matter was open to investigation by the Australian Federal Police.

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