Fake union flyer stirs debate over Hume-Sunbury split

AN ALLEGEDLY fraudulent flyer has caused emotions to run high as the community awaits an update on Sunbury’s split from Hume.

Redspot - Sunbury

AN  ALLEGEDLY fraudulent flyer has caused emotions to run high as the community awaits an ­update on Sunbury’s split from Hume.

A flyer that was originally circulated by the Australian Services Union — which has petitioned for another vote to be taken on the separation — has since been altered, but claims to be authorised by the union’s Victorian and Tasmanian branch secretary, Richard Duffy.

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It’s unknown where the amended version came from.

Mr Duffy said he had taken the matter seriously.

“I’ve sought legal advice and I’m going to see what else I can do to maintain that truths are being put out there and not lies and misinformation,” Mr Duffy said.

The new flyer claims to present the facts on Sunbury state Labor MP Josh Bull, Premier Daniel Andrews and the Labor Party, and says the union agreed Labor had “no plans for Sunbury”.

According to the union, Sunbury and Hume should remain together as separation would impact on members’ wages and jobs and result in high rate increases.

They have also argued that Sunbury’s population would not be viable.

But those claims have been refuted by the Subury Residents’ Assocation.

President Bernie O’Farrell said while he wasn’t sure where the ­altered document had originated, the union had been hypocritical. He said the original flyer had also presented false statements over financial ­viability and high rates for the new Sunbury Council without evidence.

Mr Duffy said they had based information on predictions within the KPMG report of 2013 and last year’s committee report.

Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins is yet to announce a decision on the secession.