Queensland's Olympics Minister says he's been "smeared" but ultimately vindicated after federal police closed an electoral enrolment probe without finding any offence.
Tim Mander had stepped aside from the Olympics portfolio while the Australian Federal Police considered an Australian Electoral Commission referral over his decision to enrol to vote at a staffer's home during the breakdown of his 40‑plus year marriage.
"I've paid an enormous price," he told reporters on Thursday.
"From the moment that these first allegations were made, I maintained that I had done nothing wrong. My integrity's been attacked, my reputation's been smeared, my family's been hurt over the course of lies.
"The Australian Federal Police, the independent body, have done their investigation and have stated that there is sufficient evidence to refute all allegations, and that the AFP has closed its investigation."
The AFP said it received information from the AEC on May 20 confirming the investigation had been finalised.
"No offence has been determined and the AFP has finalised the matter," it said in a statement.
The Liberal National Party frontbencher had already been under pressure over his undeclared relationship with Families and Child Safety Minister Amanda Camm, with Labor referring the matter to the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission over potential conflicts of interest linked to Olympic venues, community grants and funding in their electorates.
At the time, Mr Mander insisted he had followed "the right processes" and welcomed the AEC referral as a way to disprove what he called a "baseless smear campaign".
The minister wrote to the state election watchdog about his enrolment at a staffer's home and has since registered at a permanent address with Ms Camm outside his electorate, saying he remained compliant with Queensland's rules that allow MPs to be enrolled in their seat even if they live elsewhere.
A defiant Mr Mander rejected suggestions he had misled electoral or integrity authorities.
"I have maintained that particular position from the very, very beginning. I told you that I did everything appropriately with the ECQ, and that I had nothing to fear," he said.
Pressed repeatedly on how long he had lived at various addresses, including Brisbane's parliamentary annexe, Mr Mander refused to answer, drawing what he called a firm line between his public duties and personal affairs.
"We've got to get to a stage where we draw a line with regards to getting into personal lives of people," he said.
Premier David Crisafulli confirmed Mr Mander had been cleared and would stay in cabinet.
"The AFP investigation has run its course and found that the allegations against him are false. He remains the minister. He's back at work today."
Mr Crisafulli used the AFP's finding to lash his political opponents, arguing they should now explain their role in amplifying the claims.
"You can't cry wolf over and over and over again without being held accountable."
