Good behaviour bond for Moreland Council candidate

David Nunns, a candidate in the 2016 Moreland Council elections, received a six month good behaviour bond and no conviction for non-disclosure of campaign funding in a mention at Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on Wednesday 15 May.

Published:
Wednesday, 15 May 2019 at 6:12 am

Following an investigation into campaign funding anomalies, the Local Government Inspectorate alleged that Nunns failed to declare, on his campaign donation return, a $3000 gift from the Municipal Employees Union Fund, which is associated with his employer, the Australian Services Union (ASU).

All Victorian council candidates are required to submit returns - listing donations above a $500 threshold towards their campaign - within 40 days of a general election.

Magistrate Olivia Trumble determined Nunns should not receive a conviction and placed him on a good behaviour bond for a period of six months. Nunns was also ordered to pay $1500 towards prosecution legal costs.

Chief Municipal Inspector David Wolf said: 'A key factor in the integrity of local government is ensuring transparency on who has financially supported candidates and councillors.'

Moonee Valley Council candidate Miriam Gillis has also been charged with failing to declare a donation from the Municipal Employees Union Fund and failing to disclose a gift or donation in the form of printing services from the ASU, under section 62(7)(a) of the Local Government Act 1989.

Ms Gillis' matter was adjourned for a mention at Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court on 12 June 2019. The matter will be heard at a contest mention on 6 August.

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Updated