Battle over ex-ABC reporter Zoe Daniel election signs goes to court

An ex-ABC journalist running for federal politics has secured a huge legal victory after taking a Melbourne council to court.

An ex-ABC reporter-turned-political candidate has successfully beaten a blue-ribbon Melbourne council in court after a stoush erupted over an election sign.

Former journalist Zoe Daniel is standing as an independent in the federal seat of Goldstein against incumbent Liberal MP Tim Wilson.

Her campaign manager Keith Badger took Bayside City Council to Victoria’s Supreme Court after an dispute over a sign publicising the former Ms Daniel’s campaign ahead of the federal election.

But on Wednesday Justice John Dixon ruled against the council.

“The display by occupants of the land within the area covered by the Bayside Planning Scheme for a period not exceeding three months does not constitute a contravention,” Justice Dixon said.

Zoe Daniel’s campaign manager Keith Badger is fighting a council over the move to bar signs until the election is called. Picture: Facebook

It would be a breach if the sign remained up 14 days after the federal election is held, he said.

The judge also barred the council and its employees from taking steps to issue fines against those displaying the Zoe Daniel campaign signs.

The controversy broke after the council reversed a decision allowing the signs to be displayed and has now determined they cannot be put up until June 3, unless an election is called earlier.

On March 1 the council hand delivered letters to residents demanding they remove or cover signs within two days or risk a fine, according to court documents.

Originally published as Battle over ex-ABC reporter Zoe Daniel election signs goes to court