The Liberal Party has moved to clear its record with the Australian Electoral Commission over a $48,000 debt repaid in Tasmania by former director Damien Mantach, as Labor calls for a police investigation.
The party declared a series of repayments, and apologised for not disclosing the debt that preceded Mr Mantach's employment as Victorian state director and the alleged embezzlement of $1.5 million.
The current Tasmanian state director, Sam McQuestin, filed with the AEC a request for amendment to the 2007-8 political party disclosure return.
"Due to an administrative oversight the repayment of Mr Mantach's liability was not disclosed as receipts as it should have been," Mr McQuestin said.
"The Tasmanian division sincerely apologies for the oversight in relation to its return from 2007-2008 which we sought to correct as soon as we became aware."
He said the repayments were made by Mr Mantach in a number of transactions over the course of a week, and a total notified of $42,375.42 was notified to the AEC.
"I confirm the difference of $5,606.36 was reimbursed to the division but this does not require disclosure to the commission as it is below the threshold."
Comment was sought from the AEC, but Mr McQuestin said its disclosure unit had confirmed the party had taken the correct approach.
Tasmania Police acknowledged receiving a letter from Labor leader Bryan Green seeking an investigation into the repayments.
"We do that off the back of the Liberal Party of Victoria, as soon as they found out there were issues, they referred it to police," Mr Green said.
Mr McQuestin said: "should there be any investigation the Liberal Party will, of course, co-operate fully with Tasmania Police."
