Police investigations into Don Nardella have been dropped due to a lack of evidence to criminally charge the former Labor MP after he claimed more than $100,000 to live in Ocean Grove instead of his seat of Melton.
Mr Nardella and fellow Labor politician Telmo Languiller both claimed a taxpayer-funded second residence allowance for living outside of their electorates while residing on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Mr Languiller resigned as speaker and Mr Nardella as deputy speaker of Victoria’s Parliament last February after
The Age revealed they had claimed tens of thousands of dollars to live in the coastal towns.
Mr Languiller claimed about $38,000 to live in Queenscliff instead of his Tarneit electorate.
The second residence allowance is intended for country MPs who maintain an address in Melbourne.
Police have written to the opposition to say no charges will be laid, due to a lack of evidence.
“The investigation has determined that there is insufficient evidence to support any criminal charges and that there are no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution if either member were to be charged,” Assistant Commissioner Stephen Fontana wrote.
A police spokeswoman said the matter was considered closed and they would not be making any further comment.
The expenses scandal has been politically costly for both men.
Mr Nardella was expelled from the ALP after he initially refused to repay the money and now sits on the cross benches as an independent.
Mr Languiller remains a Labor MP but has moved to the backbench.
Both MPs will retire at the November election.
The expenses saga prompted the Andrews government to crack down on MPs’ entitlements, including introducing legislation to scrap the existing entitlement system.
An Andrews government spokesman said: “The government notes the conclusion of this investigation, as we continue to overhaul Victoria’s out of date and inadequate MP entitlement system.”
Mr Languiller said he welcomed the police decision.
“I look forward to continuing as the member for Tarneit in the Parliament and delivering for the people of the western suburbs,” he said.
Mr Nardella did not respond at the time of deadline.
– The Age
