House debates Statements

Personal Explanation

Tuesday, 25 October 2022 House of Representatives

Ian Goodenough

Ian Goodenough Moore, Liberal Party

3:52 pm

Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.

Milton Dick

Milton Dick Speaker

Does the honourable member claim to have been misrepresented?

Ian Goodenough

Ian Goodenough Moore, Liberal Party

Most grievously so.

Ian Goodenough

Ian Goodenough Moore, Liberal Party

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.