Ratepayers Groups and Ratepayers across Victoria are very concerned at the labour parties intended regulation to prohibit Criticism of elected Councillors at the council elections in November 05

The following is a press release by Liberal Party John Vogal spokesperson for local government.

I urge you to express your concerns, this is about your right as a citizen of Australia.

BRACKS ATTACK ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEMOCRACY

The Bracks Government is attempting to rush through last minute regulatory changes affecting council elections, which has rightfully angered local government as it goes to the very heart of our democratic system.

A proposed new regulation that council candidates’ 150-word election nomination statements will not be permitted to include any comment or criticism about the decisions, actions or performance of a council, is reminiscent of previous communist Soviet governments.

It is unbelievable that in a democracy like Australia you can have elections where you are not allowed to criticise the incumbents.

The regulation, which does not allow a councillor or candidate to recommend preferences in the 150-word statement, is another attack on Victorians’ right to freedom of speech.

The Bracks Government is exercising extreme control and regulation with these proposed changes which the Municipal Association of Victoria’s (MAV) president Geoff Lake says are “tinkering with fundamental democratic principals.” (Media release, 24 June 2005)

Labor’s Minister for Local Government Candy Broad is repeatedly treating local government with contempt with her failure to consult with the sector.

Candy Broad has given Victorian councils and shires less than a fortnight to comment on the proposed electoral changes for the next round of council elections due in November.

As the present regulations sunset before the November 2005 council elections, a review should have been undertaken at least 12 months ago if the Minister was intending to change these regulations.

This would have allowed ample opportunity for the MAV, the Victorian Local Government Association and LGpro to provide input into the regulatory changes for council elections.

There is no doubt that some electoral reforms are needed, but there is no excuse for producing new regulations without any discussion with councils or their peak bodies.

Last month, the appointment of CEOs was rushed through the Lower House of Parliament. This month it is the candidates who wish to run for council that are about to be gagged.

Jack Davis J.P

RATEPAYERS VICTORIA, Inc. A0040924M - PO BOX 1057 Huntingdale, Victoria 3166