- Date:
- 19 Oct 2020
Welcome to the spring 2020 edition of integrity matters. In what has been a most profoundly unusual year, the Local Government Inspectorate has responded well to the tremendous pressure throughout this period. Despite the immense challenges, it’s pleasing to note that the critical processes of local government have continued, including the Victorian Electoral Commission’s ability to deliver 76 elections across the state.
In this edition I would like to share some information about how complaints are directed within Victoria’s integrity agencies, highlight changes we’ve made internally to ensure business continuity, provide guidance around complying with both electoral legislation and the current COVID-19 restrictions while campaigning and raise the coming issue of campaign donation returns.
Last week, complaints relating to this round of local council elections exceeded those received by the Inspectorate in 2016. As of publication, we’re expecting the total volume of electoral complaints to have increased by approximately 40%. While the complaint proportion by topic remains broadly consistent with past elections, the total volume is significantly increased, and we have also received additional complaints relating to COVID-19 issues.
Complaints related to breaches of COVID-19 restrictions fall outside the remit of the Inspectorate as they are matters for Victoria Police. Local Government Victoria and the VEC have also produced resources to ensure your campaigns are conducted safely and they are linked below.
The Inspectorate will provide a clearer picture of the complaint volume and related analysis in our next newsletter. In the meantime, please contact the Inspectorate if you have any concerns regarding this year’s elections.
Dr John Lynch PSM
Acting Chief Municipal Inspector
Increasing coordination between Victoria's integrity agencies
The Local Government Inspectorate ensures all Victorian local councils follow the Local Government Act, while IBAC) and the Victorian Ombudsman investigate corruption, services and more.
Managing electoral integrity during COVID
The Local Government Inspectorate has implemented several innovations to ensure our obligations under the Local Government Act 2020 are fulfilled.
Authorisation requirements and safe campaigning
The 2020 local council elections feature some unique challenges. However, the LGI’s role to investigate perceived non-compliance with the Local Government Act 2020 remains unchanged.
Mandatory campaign donation returns
There are important processes that are required to ensure integrity and transparency in the weeks that follow election day.
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