Yarra Greens councillor Edward Crossland IBAC investigation dismissed

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission has dismissed an investigation into a Yarra Greens councillor, with residents denied the opportunity to give evidence.

Yarra Cr Edward Crossland (right) with former mayor and current Richmond state MP Gabrielle de Vietri. Picture: Facebook

An investigation into the Greens councillor at the centre of allegations of coercing City of Yarra residents has been dropped.

The local government watchdog closed the inquiry into deputy mayor Edward Crossland.

The residents who lodged the complaints were never formally interviewed.

The case was closed by the Local Government Inspectorate last month, Cr Crossland confirmed.

It’s understood the four residents who filed separate complaints were not given an opportunity to provide any evidence to the investigation – on the grounds it was hearsay.

The case, revealed by the Herald Sun in June, was referred to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission before it was formally dismissed.

The inspectorate and Yarra council would not comment on the decision.

The inspectorate also rejected a Herald Sun request for details on the case under Freedom of Information laws.

The complaints stem from an online meeting of Yarra council last December when a resident alleged Cr Crossland had earlier called her urging her not to make submissions on the night.

It was claimed he said that any contribution by the ratepayer that night might affect a separate planning issue to which she had objected.

The residents’ submissions were brought under the “misuse of position” provisions of the Local Government Act 2020.

Cr Crossland was elected as a Greens councillor in 2020 to Yarra’s Melba ward which covers Burnley, Cremorne and parts of Richmond.