Liberal candidate demoted as police officer over lies about sex with colleague

A long-serving police officer who is running as the Liberal candidate for the super-marginal seat of Mildura was charged with breaches under the Victoria Police Act and demoted after lying to investigators probing alleged sexual misconduct.

Paul Matheson was charged with a disciplinary breach following an investigation by Taskforce Salus, a special unit focused on officers accused of predatory behaviour, serious sexual harassment, sexual offences or family violence.

The prospective MP was in a consensual relationship with a colleague and allegedly had sex with her on police premises, but initially told investigators he was not sleeping with the woman.

After his first interview with Salus investigators he admitted to the relationship, according to three police sources who spoke anonymously to detail the confidential probe.

The Age has been briefed on two other allegations of non-sexual misconduct investigated by Taskforce Salus, but chosen not to publish them because they could not be substantiated.

Matheson, who has served in Victoria Police for almost three decades, declined to speak to The Age. Victoria Police declined to answer any questions about the allegations, police investigation or the charge against Matheson.

The Age has confirmed Matheson admitted to the relationship, that was deemed improper partly because some of it had taken place on police premises.

The Age has further confirmed that he was charged with a disciplinary breach and was demoted from the rank of detective senior sergeant to uniform sergeant in late 2019.

A Liberal Party spokesman said, “these matters have been investigated and resolved by Victoria Police”.

A police spokeswoman said the force would not discuss Matheson’s case so as to protect his privacy.

Liberal Party candidates are required to sign a statutory declaration and answer about 100 questions to ensure they are upstanding citizens.

They include questions on whether a prospective candidate had been disciplined by an employer, had sexual encounters that could adversely impact their candidature, or been charged with criminal or civil offences.

The Liberal Party did not answer whether Matheson declared his police investigation to the party in the vetting process.

Mildura was held by the National Party between 2006 and 2018 before independent Ali Cupper won the seat, which she holds by a thin 0.34 per cent margin.

The Liberal Party last held the seat in 1996 and is confident it can win the seat back.

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