A federal police inquiry into Energy Minister Angus Taylor has found no evidence he was involved in falsifying information.
The Australian Federal Police statement came a day after it was revealed the powerful privileges committee would not investigate whether Taylor misled parliament over his use of a fake document to criticize Sydney’s mayor.
The NSW Police financial crime squad referred the matter to the AFP in December.
The letter Taylor sent to Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore criticized her for driving up carbon emissions by spending over $15 million in council money on domestic and international travel, but the figures were false.
The 2017/18 council report currently available online, as well as previously cached versions, shows international out-of-pocket travel costs such as meals and taxis were only $1728, and domestic costs were $4206.
The minister apologized to Moore but has not explained where the numbers came from.
The AFP said in a statement on Thursday it had determined “it is unlikely further investigation will result in obtaining sufficient evidence to substantiate a Commonwealth offence.”
“The AFP assessment of this matter identified there is no evidence to indicate the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction was involved in falsifying information,” an AFP spokesperson said.
“The low level of harm and the apology made by the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction to the Lord Mayor of Sydney, along with the significant level of resources required to investigate were also factored into the decision not to pursue this matter.
“The AFP now considers this matter finalized.”
By Paul Osborne
