Nikolic hit over posts on social media

FORMER Bass MHR Andrew Nikolic had breached standards expected of Administrative Appeals Tribunal members with regular posts to Facebook about political issues, federal Labor shadow attorneygeneral Mark Dreyfus says.

Mr Dreyfus said AAT members, who earn about $300,000 a year, were required to act independently and impartially.

Mr Nikolic, who lost his seat at the 2016 election after a 10 per cent swing against him, has frequently posted on the same-sex marriage issue.

The former member of the so-called “Three Amigos” Liberal members in the North was appointed to the tribunal in December.

“Mr Nikolic, the oneterm former member for Bass, has been appointed to a $300,000+ per year position as one of the most senior members of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Yet he seems to think he can continue his political career just as he did before,” Mr Dreyfus said

“His public Facebook page is nothing but a campaign vehicle for himself and the Liberal Party.

“Mr Nikolic has two choices — he can be a campaigner for the Liberal Party, or he can do his job as a senior tribunal member. He cannot do both.”

Mr Dreyfus said Mr Nikolic’s approach was a direct violation of the Administrative Review Council (part of the Attorney-General’s Department) Guide to Standards of Conduct for Tribunal Members.

“The guidelines suggest that partisan political activity in relation to issues of political controversy was not considered appropriate,” he said.

Mr Nikolic did not comment yesterday.