Ian Goodenough (Moore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Does the honourable member claim to have been misrepresented?

Ian Goodenough (Moore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Most grievously so.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You may proceed.

Ian Goodenough (Moore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Friday 14 October I was contacted by Josh Zimmerman, a journalist from the West Australian newspaper, in relation to a screenshot of a text message exchange purported to be attributed to me. The message contained the threat that I would quit the Liberal Party and sit on the crossbench. I can categorically deny it; the screenshot was a forgery and a fabrication. Impersonating a member of parliament with intent to cause false belief and detriment is a serious criminal offence. I wish to advise the House that I have reported the matter to the Australian Federal Police for investigation. The Australian Federal Police have provided me with a reference number for this matter: 7246165.