KNOX RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION INC.

P.O. Box 341 Boronia.  Vic.  3155

NEWS RELEASE:

KRA ATTACKS GOVERNMENT ‘GAG’.

Knox Ratepayers Association has attacked a State Government proposal to “gag” candidates for local council elections.

New proposed government regulations applying to councils using postal ballots would prohibit candidates from criticising the existing council or its policies in their statements circulated to voters.  This would not currently apply to Knox Council which intends to use personal voting for the elections due in November this year.

KRA President Peter Baird said that the proposal was a direct attack on democracy.  “Why on earth would you run for Council if you did not think that you could contribute to better local government,” he said. “This proposal would stop candidates from explaining which things they would change and from telling voters what is wrong with the existing council.  It is madness.

“Does Mr. Bracks expect that during the next election campaign he will avoid criticising Mr. Doyle and Mr. Doyle will avoid criticising him ?

“Does he expect that Mr. Howard and Mr. Beazley will go to the polls next time without putting forward any policies ?  The whole idea is a complete farce,” Mr. Baird said.

Mr. Baird said that proposed restrictions on distributing preferences were harder to judge.  “We assume this is an attempt by the Government to reduce the use of “dummy” candidates simply to pick up preferences.  This is a sound aim as dummy candidates are a distraction and a nuisance but we are far from sure whether restricting the flow of information about preferences is the way to fix the problem.

“The Government should sit down with the local government sector, including ratepayer groups, to discuss the proposals fully before this legislation is submitted to Parliament,” Mr. Baird said.

For further information:  Peter Baird  9762 6631.

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