The legitimacy of the 2016 Wyndham council election has been called into question after the Local Government Inspectorate launched an investigation into all 95 candidates.
In a statement released this afternoon, the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate said it was investigating the activities of several candidates in the 2016 Wyndham council election.
Chief municipal inspector David Wolf said based on information already received, and anomalies identified during the investigation to date, it was now necessary to speak with all candidates who nominated.
Star Weekly understands that a number of candidates have already been interviewed and cleared, with the Inspectorate today issuing notices to the remaining candidates to attend an interview to confirm candidate eligibility and identify any unlawful activities.
“The Inspectorate has gathered evidence that raises concerns about several candidates having unlawfully nominated or received payments to nominate. We need to understand if this is a broader issue or confined to these specific candidates in this election,” Mr Wolf said.
“Wyndham City Council and the Victorian Electoral Commission are assisting with our enquiries.
“It is important to note that this investigation does not reflect on Wyndham City Council as an organisation, which continues to provide good governance for the municipality. I encourage anyone with information which they believe may assist our investigation to come forward.
“Our objective is to fully expose any illegal activity by candidates in order to protect the integrity of local government elections now and into the future.”
The announcement follows a joint investigation by Star Weekly and The Sunday Age in January that revealed councillor Intaj Khan was under investigation over his council election campaign, where he was re-elected to Wyndham council on the preferences of a team of dummy running mates, some enrolled – but not resident – at properties owned by him, and/or claiming to work at what appear to be phantom organisations.
The Wyndham election campaign included its fair share of controversy, with a record 95 candidates vying for 11 positions, including a state record of 41 candidates for Harrison ward alone.
The Inspectorate received 12 complaints about candidates in the lead-up regarding the Wyndham election, while Wyndham council slapped 18 candidates with fines for illegally displaying political signs on council land.
Wyndham council chief executive Kelly Grigsby applauded the move.
“Public confidence in the election process is paramount and it is therefore extremely important for the Inspectorate to take all steps necessary to ensure the conduct of candidates was lawful,” Ms Grigsby said.
“Wyndham Council has proactively assisted the Inspectorate to date, and we will continue to provide whatever support is necessary.”
“Whilst the Inspectorate undertakes this process, Wyndham council will continue to operate business as usual and remain focused on delivering much needed services and infrastructure to our growing community.”
Local government minister Natalie Hutchins has been contacted for comment.
The Inspectorate is calling on the public who may have information that will assist with this investigation. Submissions can be made at www.lgici.vic.gov.au
More to come.
