Malvern’s Benny Hill, not the UK comedian, running for Stonnington Council October 24 election
Ratepayers would be able to vote online about council issues under a radical “digital democracy” plan an inner-Melbourne election candidate says “puts the people in charge of policy”. But the person behind the scheme’s authenticy remains in question.
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A Malvern man with the same name as a famous British comedian is vying for a spot on an inner city Melbourne council.
Benny Hill has registered with the Victorian Electoral Commission and is listed as a candidate for East Ward in Stonnington Council’s October 24 polls.
While some might think the listing is a joke, Mr Hill has been active on Instagram and Twitter and has a detailed website stating he is “a human”, works in Malvern East and wants to give “power to the people”.
However, his authenticity remains in question, with Mr Hill not returning phone calls from Leader and only answering questions by email.
“I am genuine. Real deal. Bees knees. Ducks nuts. P.S. Not a bot,” he wrote.
Mr Hill’s website states he is “powered” by the MiVote movement, founded by eSports entrepreneur Adam Jacoby, who has a plum role with Swinburne University’s innovation team.
MiVote is described as “the most democratic model of community decision-making in the world”.
It prides itself on “no special interest, corporate money or influence”, and lists equality, transparency and providing “the people’s voice” as some of its other values.
In his candidate statement, Mr Hill said he “believes that without air, food and shelter, humans don’t have an existence”.
He is also pushing a “digital democracy” focus which would allow residents to have their say online about various issues.
“Benny Hill intends to showcase the benefits of a future where the community is invited and feels part of decision making,” his statement reads.
“Although Benny Hill might have been to one of the best schools and one of the best universities, he ignores all this, and is passionate about giving a voice to many.”
A total of 42 candidates are contesting Stonnington’s elections which are being conducted by postal vote.
They include John Velos, Matt Lanigan, Ingram Spencer, Peter Hammond, Alexander Lew, Nicki Batagol, Stacey Moran and Alexander Taylor, all of whom have reached out to Stonnington Leader about their campaigns.
Three candidates will be elected in each of the council’s three wards.
Seven of the nine sitting councillors are seeking re-election after John Chandler and Glenn Atwell bowed out last month.
The election race has seen some grubby tactics, with the Stonnington Ratepayers group accusing sitting councillors of getting Old Xavierians Football Club to send out a “misleading” email, which the club has since retracted.
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