Candidates fail to declare donations

Just 53 per cent of candidates vying for October’s Wyndham council election have declare who donated how much to their campaigns.

Of a record-breaking 95 hopefuls competing for one of 11 spots at the election, only 51 submitted their election campaign donations report.

The Local Government Act specifies every candidate in an election must return their declaration of campaign donations within 40 days of the poll.

The fine for not doing so, according to the Act, can be up to $9000. …

All 11 successful councillors submitted their reports, but Wyndham council’s website indicates outgoing councillor Gautam Gupta, was one who did not disclose his sources.

Topping the list of declared donations was unsuccessful Chaffey ward candidate Bro Sheffield-Brotherton, who received $3374.43 from the Wyndham branch of the Australian Greens to fund the cost of corflute signs, two lots of leaflets and Facebook advertising.

Failed Harrison ward candidate Monica Raizada received $2400, but did not specify what this went towards. (A candidate is not obliged to disclose this information.)

Deputy mayor Kim McAliney received $1600 from a distribution company, which funded her artwork and printing, and Harrison ward’s Tony Hooper received $920 for website design, art and design work.

Details: bit.ly/2hBakgk