‘Champions of Democracy’ Media Release
CoRBA understands that this media release was sent out without the approval of Lord Mayor John So. CoRBA’s response follows the media release.
Media Release
16 July 2008
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‘CHAMPIONS OF DEMOCRACY’ SEEK TO DELAY ELECTION
A minority of Melbourne City Councillors last night tried unsuccessfully to delay the upcoming local government election, Deputy Lord Mayor Gary Singer said today.
The Deputy Lord Mayor said the councillors’ attempt to derail the election was motivated by nothing more than blatant self-interest.
“These self-proclaimed ‘champions of democracy’ want to throw out electoral reforms which have helped Melbourne to become one of the world’s most liveable cities.
“Now, purely in the interests of democracy of course, they want to deny Melbourne residents and ratepayers their say at the poll,” Mr Singer said.
The Deputy Lord Mayor said elections in the City of Melbourne were already subject to the highest level of scrutiny of any council in Victoria.
He said the City of Melbourne operated under special legislation, which the Minister for Local Government could amend at anytime.
“The fact the Minister has used this power to introduce the Local Government Amendment (Elections) Bill 2008 proves the system works.
“Now these champions of democracy say the Minister’s amendments, which they themselves had called for, are reason enough to delay the November poll,” he said.
The Deputy Lord Mayor called on the opposition parties in the Legislative Council to bring certainty to the Melbourne election process by passing the Bill as soon as possible.
He said last night’s motion requesting the election postponement was moved at the Finance and Governance Committee by Councillor Fiona Snedden, seconded by Councillor Peter Clarke and supported by Councillor Brian Shanahan.
Local government elections will be conducted across Victoria on 29 November 2008.
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For further media information please contact:
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Paul Williams Deputy Lord Mayor’s Media Adviser Ph: (03) 9658 9484/0411 235 434 Email: pauwil@melbourne.vic.gov.au
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CoRBA’s own media release in response to the Gary Singer Media Release.
CoRBA – Melbourne
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The Coalition of Residents and Business Associations
MEDIA RELEASE 19 July 2008
“The media release (16/7) by the Deputy Lord Mayor Gary Singer is outrageous and should lead to his immediate resignation.
He has used City of Melbourne staff and facilities to issue a media release for his own political purposes.
We understand that this release was unauthorized by the CEO or the Lord Mayor.
The City of Melbourne Media unit advises that it is “responsible for sending out media releases on Council policy, or resolutions of committee/council meetings” and that “the matter raised in this media release is not based on any decision of Council/committee” .
Gary Singer’s actions and remarks are clearly not in keeping with statements or behaviour expected of a person in the role of Deputy Lord Mayor of our great City.
The statements are petty and fundamentally false.”
Authorised by 
eter Matthews for the Coalition of Residents and Business Organisations.
CoRBA comprises: Carlton Residents Association Inc.; Docklands Residents Association; EastEnders Inc.; East Melbourne Group Inc.; Hardware Precinct Residents and Tenants Group; Kensington Association; Melbourne South Yarra Group Inc.; North and West Melbourne Association Inc.; Parkville Association Inc.; Residents 3000 Inc.; Southbank Residents Association; Collins Street Precinct; Docklands Chamber of Commerce; Melbourne Business Council.
