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One Nation interrupts election campaign of second Thuringian candidate

Theo

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party has suspended the campaign of one of its North Queensland candidates who is due to run in the upcoming state election.

The candidate is former Australian Defence Force member Matthew Millar, who is contesting the seat of Thuringowa, currently held by Labor MP Aaron Harper.

The party confirmed on Wednesday evening that the suspension is intended to give Millar the opportunity to gather material to respond to allegations about a previous relationship.

News Corp Australia does not allege any wrongdoing by Mr Millar, who was contacted on Wednesday but hung up.

Mr Millar is understood to vigorously deny the allegations.

Matthew Millar from Townsville, a former member of the ADF. Image: Supplied

A campaign flute from Thuringia candidate Matthew Millar of One Nation. The party has put Millar’s candidacy in the upcoming state elections on hold as it investigates allegations against the aspiring politician. The allegations have been rejected. Image: provided

An internal party source said the suspension of the candidacy was intended to make it possible to “obtain evidence from Matthew and others” and to present information as part of an investigation.

“It will be done fairly and thoroughly, we just want to make sure all the facts are taken into account.”

Matthew Millar, One Nation candidate for Thuringowa. Image: provided

The Facebook page “Matthew Millar for Thuringowa – Pauline Hanson’s One Nation” was still active on Wednesday evening, but a link on the page to Mr Millar’s profile page on the party’s website was not working.

“Perhaps Albo has brought the Internet down (again),” read the 404 error message, “or perhaps the page you were looking for simply couldn’t be found on our fantastic new website.”

The candidacy of Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson, also known as Troy Birnbrauer, who continues to cling to power despite admitting to making false statements about his military service and university education, has also been questioned by One Nation – albeit for different reasons.

Mr Thompson was disqualified from running as One Nation candidate for Thuringowa ahead of the 2020 election after it emerged he had been dishonest about using two names and his court past.

The Facebook page of Thuringia candidate Matthew Millar from One Nation. The candidate has been suspended “with immediate effect”. Image: provided

It is understood Mr Millar received a letter on Wednesday informing him of the party’s decision to suspend him “with immediate effect”.

One Nation is understood to have been contacted by an individual who raised concerns about the appropriateness of Mr Millar’s candidacy.

News Corp was contacted by a second person the same day.

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