One Nation’s Redcliffe candidate Simon Salloum fined for lodging false election funding claim
One Nation’s Redcliffe candidate has pleaded guilty to election fraud after making a state election funding claim containing false and misleading information.
Small business owner Simon Salloum, 57, appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday for sentencing.
Salloum, who runs Simon’s Fruit and Vegetables in Redcliffe, had asked for $6,554.44 in election funds for the 2024 state election, in which he received 7.5 per cent of the vote.
The court was told the claim involved invoices that were altered to inflate the amount claimed.
Instead of claiming the $2,500 he paid for campaign materials through his party, Salloum submitted false documents to support the larger claim.
Prosecutor JA Kapeleris told the court Salloum knowingly requested a much higher amount than the amount he spent.
The court was told Salloum continued to insist the claim was legitimate when questioned.
The Electoral Commission later contacted Dingo Print, the company that provided the materials, and confirmed that the company had only received $2,500.
Mr Kapeleris said it was clear that Salloum knew that the large sum had not been paid, but he pursued the allegation even though the purpose of the taxpayer-funded election financing was to cover legitimate campaign expenses; It’s not “collecting the unexpected”.
Salloum’s lawyer told the court his client had been unable to find work after a series of botched surgeries and heavy drug use.
He had started running his small fruit and vegetable business, donating mostly to local charities.
“It was a bad decision. He let himself down,” he said.
Judge Mark Whitbread acknowledged Salloum’s public service and remorse, stating his actions were out of character.
“You have raised your hand admirably to seek to represent your community as a candidate in the 2024 election,” Mr Whitbread said.
“Unfortunately, after that election, you failed with integrity as you attempted to claim money you were not entitled to. You then made matters worse by submitting documents that were actually false. This is fraud and dishonesty.”
Mr Whitbread also recognized Salloum’s contributions, describing him as “clearly a useful member” of the community.
He was fined $3000, with an additional $1500 in costs payable to the Queensland Electoral Commission.
No convictions were recorded.
