Locked-down councils call on State Government to postpone 2020 Victorian council elections

Mayors and councillors across the Melbourne’s locked-down municipalities want council elections deferred, saying it would be “impossible” to run campaigns.

Melbourne’s locked-down councils are urging the State Government to defer this year’s local government elections, saying it would be “impossible” to run a campaign amid stage three restrictions.

Cr Joseph Haweil from the City of Hume, which has the highest number of active cases in the state at 145, told NCA NewsWire councillors were occupied supporting their communities through the COVID-19 health crisis.

“With the physical movement of millions of Melburnians severely restricted as a result of stage 3 arrangements it remains unclear how key components of an electoral process could proceed,” Cr Haweil said.

“ This includes fundraising, door knocking, genuine and effective training of candidates, arrangement of campaign materials, engagement with the community on matters of important to them and general campaigning.

“These restrictions mean an equitable and democratic landscape cannot exist in these circumstances.”

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Hume councillor Joseph Haweil. Picture: Julian Smith

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) raised similar concerns at the start of the pandemic.

But former Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek knocked back the recommendation, advising in May that postal votes would be used for the elections instead.

Mitchell Shire mayor David Lowe told NCA NewsWire the move was a “government misstep” and joined renewed calls to put council elections on ice.

“Elections would be very difficult to run in today’s climate,” Cr Lowe said.

“It would be even more difficult for candidates trying to enter the local government sector. If a decision was at least made early you could plan, but it’s getting very late now.”

The NSW Government announced it would postpone its council elections, due later this year, to September 2021.

But Ratepayers Victoria president Dean Hurlston said deferring council elections would be a blow to democracy.

“At a time when Victorians have been asked to sacrifice much already, it is not acceptable to be asked to also give away democracy,” Mr Hurlston said.

“Local council elections were made postal during COVID-19 to ensure there was no need to delay democracy.

“The ministerial guidelines from local government make it clear that postal elections without any form of in-person campaigning is a level playing field for all.”

Local Government Minister Shaun Leane and the MAV have been contacted for comment.