Going postal: Council ballot papers stolen in Australia Post van theft

We’re back for a Friday edition of Ward Games, one more week until ballots close on October 25 at 6pm. It’s sure to be a wild run to the finish line – do stay tuned.

As always, please make sure to send in anything you’re seeing out and about in local government election land to [e-mail] and [e-mail].

GOING POSTAL

It’s a case of voting early and perhaps voting often after a thief made off with an Australia Post van with council ballot papers on board.

The bright red vehicle was nicked on Thursday, prompting the Victorian Electoral Commission to issue an urgent plea for residents and ratepayers to check if their completed votes were included in the heist.

It’s likely some voters in the City of Monash will need to send in their ballot again.

A thief steals an Australia Post van with council ballot papers on board, as the driver tries to stop him.Credit: 3AW Drive host Jacqui Felgate. 

Footage uploaded by 3AW Drive host Jacqui Felgate to Instagram shows the opportunist thief jumping into the unattended van on Best Street in Oakleigh and then speeding off as the postie tries to stop them. The worker was dragged along for short time.

Anyone in the Mount Waverley or Oakleigh area who might have popped their completed ballots in one of these nine different post boxes on Thursday before 1pm has likely had their votes stolen alongside the van:

• 16 Pinewood Drive, Mount Waverley (opposite corner Illuka Crescent)
• Corner Kingswood Avenue and Bellerive Avenue, Mount Waverley
• 59 Stanley Avenue, Mount Waverley (corner Ian Grove)
• 2 Macrina Street, Oakleigh East (corner Ferntree Gully Road)
• 68 Burlington Street, Oakleigh (corner Connell Road)
• 139 Atherton Road, Oakleigh (corner Grant Street)
• 1436 Dandenong Road, Oakleigh (corner Atkinson Street)
• 24 Atherton Road, Oakleigh (corner Eaton Mall)
• Oakleigh Railway Station, 5 Portman Street, Oakleigh

Australia Post said the van driver escaped unscathed, and they are assisting the police investigation.

“These post boxes are in the City of Monash and it is possible that post by residents from these areas, and anyone visiting these areas, may have been in the vehicle at the time,” said the VEC in a statement.

“Ensuring that every ballot pack is returned to the VEC safely and securely is critical to the integrity of the election and voters can be assured the VEC is working closely with Australia Post to ensure every ballot pack reaches its destination.”

Josh Fergeus, the current councillor for Monash’s Oakleigh ward, which takes in the Mount Waverley and Oakleigh area, told us the theft was “extremely disappointing”.

“I doubt whoever is responsible has considered the impact their actions may have on people who rely on the post.

“It’s extremely disappointing, and doubly so as it has had an impact on the conduct of this election. I hope that swift and appropriate action is taken to ensure that every voter has ample opportunity to cast their vote.”

The commission says you need to contact them as soon as possible for a replacement vote – you can call 131 832 for a replacement or visit this link.

Australia Post and Victoria Police are investigating this incident. If you have any information about the theft of the vehicle, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au

DON’T VOTE FOR ME

This one has echoes of Brewster’s Millions, when Richard Pryor’s lead character tries to spend $30 million in 30 days in order to inherit $300 million.

Richard Pryor in Brewster’s Millions.Credit: Stephen Vaughan

Readers might remember one of Brewster’s schemes was to run as mayor of New York City, spending as much money as he could on a campaign urging people to vote for “none of the above” (he won).

Frankston is not the Big Apple, but Steven and Liam Hughes are doing a pretty good job of writing their own comedy script for the upcoming council elections.

For non-Frankstonians, the father-son duo were sitting councillors in the current term before Hughes senior resigned a year ago.

Frankston Council Liam Hughes

Both have now gone to the effort of nominating as candidates for the Frankston City Council wards of Ballam and Derinya...but have explicitly asked people not to vote for them.

“I fought for four years and it’s now time to pass the torch: I am not seeking re-election. Instead, I simply ask residents to elect a new councillor group this election,” Liam wrote in his candidate statement.

”Please choose a new candidate this election who will put Frankston first,” Liam continued, before going a bit Kylie Minogue. “Better the devil you don’t know.”

Hughes senior was singing from the same song sheet, making sure voters know he felt hard done by when he was suspended from council three times before resigning.

“I cannot be part of an organisation that is unashamedly self-serving and indifferent to the Frankston community. Please do not vote for me.”