Media Release
WA man sentenced over false claims made during 2022 Federal Election campaign
A West Australian man who lied about his bankruptcy status on a Senate nomination form for the 2022 Federal Election has been placed on a recognisance order by a Perth Magistrate today (10 December, 2025).
The order, issued during a sentencing hearing in Perth Magistrates Court, means the man, 61, is to be of good behaviour for two years and six months, or he will forfeit a $10,000 bond. He was also ordered to pay court costs of $12,086.80.
The man was convicted following a two-day trial in September 2025, for providing false information as part of his election nomination.
The AFP started an investigation in April, 2022, after receiving a report from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), which alleged the man lodged a nomination form with false details.
He claimed he was not an undischarged bankrupt or insolvent when Australian Financial Security Authority records showed he was bankrupt and had been since 2016.
Section 44(iii) of the Australian Constitution states that any person who is an undischarged bankrupt or insolvent shall be incapable of being chosen for, or of sitting as a senator or a member of the House of Representatives.
Following inquiries, the AFP charged the man on 13 April, 2022, with one count of giving information to a Commonwealth entity knowing that the information was false, contrary to 137.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
AFP Acting Inspector Fleur Jennings said the AFP remained committed to working with partner agencies to protect the integrity of the Australian electoral system and democracy.
“The community wants to have confidence that the people nominating to represent them are actually eligible to be elected,” a/Insp Jennings said.
“The AFP takes seriously any allegations of people committing an offence to mislead the community or gain a benefit, and our officers will investigate and put alleged offenders before the courts.”
