ACT Greens crossbencher Johnathan Davis has been referred to Legislative Assembly's Commissioner of Standards after he included his Assembly contact details on a letter endorsing Greens federal candidates.
The Canberra Liberals accused Mr Davis of breaching the members code of conduct as members are not allowed to use Assembly resources in federal campaigning matters.
The letter from Mr Davis spruiked federal Greens senate candidate Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng and candidate for Bean Kathryn Savery. It also encouraged people to attend an event where the three would be.
Mr Davis' letter also touted the Greens partnership with Labor in the Legislative Assembly.
"With Greens in government we have powered the ACT with 100 per cent renewable electricity, established the ACT's first dedicated Minister for Mental Health, secured the largest ever investment into public housing and implemented an integrity commission," the letter said.
"The Greens make government better. The upcoming federal election is your opportunity to make federal politics better too."
Opposition whip Nicole Lawder brought forward a motion to the territory's parliament on Tuesday morning, calling for Mr Davis to be referred to the commissioner.
She said this was an issue because if a member of the public read the letter and wanted to talk further about it they would contact Mr Davis' number at the Legislative Assembly.
Ms Lawder suggested this was a use of Assembly resources as it would likely by a member of Mr Davis' staff who would receive that call in "a lovely climate controlled building paid for by the taxpayer".
"I believe, my colleagues believe this is an appalling use of Assembly resources but it is up to the commissioner for standards to investigate this matter and come up with a decision," Ms Lawder told the Assembly.
Mr Davis responded to Ms Lawder's motion by saying that he would refer himself to the standards commissioner. He said he was confident in the advice he had received from the Legislative Assembly Clerk and the Electoral Commissioner on the matter.
He said the letter was not funded or distributed using Assembly resources. He said it was paid for by the federal Greens and was distributed by volunteers.
Mr Davis said his contact details were included so constituents could contact him with any representations about issues related to the Assembly.
"I will stress at all times, I sought advice from the Clerk, from the Electoral Commissioner," he said.
In the motion, Ms Lawder referred to a letter from Legislative Assembly Clerk Tom Duncan which reminded members of their obligations.
The letter, seen by The Canberra Times, said publicly funded entitlements and resources are provided for constituent related activities and that use of the resources in connection with election campaigning would amount to improper use.
Examples provided in the letter included direct political campaigning such as letterboxing by staff while on duty, mail distribution for non-electorate or non-parliamentary activities, meeting costs associated with election campaigning and use of Assembly offices as campaign offices.
