Vote-buying suspicions following Yarra Greens’ sudden $350,000 gift to the Vietnamese community

City of Yarra has copped accusations of vote buying after a sudden decision to give hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra cash to the Vietnamese community ahead of a council election.

A last-minute decision by the City of Yarra to hand out $350,000 to the Vietnamese community has been questioned amid claims the money was a vote-buying stunt ahead of the council election in October.

The controversial council’s original draft budget allowed for $50,000 to mark 50 years of Vietnamese migration to Australia.

But Greens councillor Sophie Wade lodged a late amendment at last month’s meeting, bumping up the amount by an extra $300,000.

Councillors were only given three hours’ notice of the change, and no costings or specific reasons were given for the increase.

Councillor Herschel Landes, mayor Edward Crossland and councillor Claudia Nguyen at the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Day. Picture: Facebook

The Herald Sun believes some councillors have internally voiced their misgivings about the lack of detail and information, all at a time when council bosses are crying poor.

Greens Mayor Edward Crossland boasted of the council’s funding at an event to mark the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Day on Sunday but didn’t mention the increased amount.

The event was attended by former mayor Claudia Nguyen and Karen Hovenga, the Greens candidate for the Melba ward which covers North Richmond and has a high Vietnamese population.

Peter Razos, an independent candidate for the Lennox ward, questioned why there was no consultation with the public regarding the eight-fold increase in funds.

“This is a basic sweetener for the Vietnamese people to vote for them.’’

Richmond resident Peter Razos has questioned the budget process.

Independent councillor Stephen Jolly said no one had explained what the money was actually to be used for.

“No wonder locals get suspicious and think it’s vote buying. Councillors should ditch the secrecy and be upfront with locals.”

Neither Mr Razos nor Cr Jolly questioned the value of the Vietnamese community to the city, but challenged the secretive process around funding commitments.

Council watch president Dean Hurlston described the process as the “most egregious binning of all standards of governance’’.

“It’s no secret that the Greens are running hard in Yarra these next elections, they have just said they can’t afford street cleaning, but they have found a half a million in public money to support their desperation to buy the community off,’’ he said.

Yarra independent councillor Stephen Jolly is questioning what the money is for.

The Herald Sun put detailed questions to Cr Wade, including the claims of vote-buying, but only received a statement from a council spokesperson.

“As part of our draft Budget consultation process, Yarra City Council received a number of submissions from members and groups representing the local Vietnamese community.

“Next year will mark 50 years since Vietnamese people first arrived in Australia. This milestone is vital to the history of Yarra and to the evolving nature of our vibrant and diverse community.

“Additional funding has been allocated for an enduring commemoration to recognise the Vietnamese migration anniversary and to celebrate the community’s contribution to life in Yarra.

“A commemoration will provide a space to reflect and honour the stories and contributions made by the Vietnamese community to the history, vibrancy and culture of our city.’’

The vote on June 18 for the extra funding was supported by councillors Wade, Crossland, Nguyen, Herschel Landes and Anab Mohamud.

Councillors Jolly, Michael Glynatsis, and Bridgid O’Brien opposed the vote.

The row is the latest controversy to dog the council after it built Australia’s saddest playground, failed to get a planning permit to change Burnley Golf Course, committed a double privacy breach of residents’ details and introduced and then increased a bin tax.