Today is the last day for residents to get their votes in – although many have undoubtedly made up their minds and already cast their votes. It’s now time for reflection as to the entire process and its potential outcomes.
The Age ran a story a few days ago on council elections and the associated ‘problems’. We will go a step further and state that much needs reforming, especially the legislation governing council elections. It is not enough that candidates have the choice as to whether or not they tick a box on some useless questions. Nor is it satisfactory that candidates are asked whether or not they are ‘endorsed’ by a political party. The Greens are the only party which officially endorses individuals. Labor and Liberal do not. But this doesn’t mean that these major political parties don’t influence the candidates or get involved in what happens in council chambers – Skyrail being the perfect example. Even asking whether or not a candidate is a member of any political party is not enough. The example of Esakoff’s campaign and her claim to be ‘independent’ shows how inadequate this is! What this election has shown above all is the (deliberate?) impotence of the legislation.
Remember the de-facto How-To-Vote cards? When Liberal candidates can nominate Vote #1, Vote #2 and Vote #3 on their candidate statements, and the VEC can rule that this is okay, then there is something drastically wrong with our system. And since the Bayside Libs did exactly the same thing, we can only conclude that the ‘orders’ came from on high from headquarters! And what influence did the Labor party have on awarding preferences to their members?
In Glen Eira dirty tricks have been abundant –
- Posters torn down
- Stooges and trolls operating to their heart’s content on social media
- Flyers distributed which allege collusion between Labor candidates and sporting clubs
- Candidates’ billboards advertising real estate agents
It has been a dirty campaign where the gulf between the incumbents’ statements on their flyers and their actions are miles apart. If Magee can state that he supports 3 and 4 storeys in activity centres, yet in chamber supports 7 storeys for Carnegie, then truth has no value. Nor do Hyams’ claims to be working for the ‘community’ hold up to scrutiny when his voting patterns on so many issues clearly show how one sector of the community can so regularly outweigh the wishes of the majority of the community. Pilling of course is the classic case of someone elected on Green credentials, only to become a ‘turncoat’ and basically align himself with the conservatives time and time again. Yet this hasn’t stopped him from producing flyers and posters which are still green in colour – but without naming the Greens.
Here are some suggested reforms that we hope will improve both the quality of candidates and the electoral process. We welcome your thoughts!
- Prospective candidates to nominate 6 months out from the election date
- Prospective candidates to undertake a comprehensive ‘induction/education’ process at this time and not once they are elected
- This ‘course’ to be standard across all councils and conducted by ‘independent’ bodies including – Law Reform Commission; Accountants Association etc. In other words covering all the major areas that councils operate within. If candidates ‘fail’ these courses they become ineligible to stand.
- Standards to be set on all election material
- Compulsory ‘town hall’ meetings for all candidates 2 weeks out from the election
- Councils to provide the facilities for these meetings
Much, much more can and should be done. This of course depends on the will of legislators and whether their primary concern is true democratic process and an equal playing field!
October 21, 2016 at 11:13 AM
I live in a Democracy. Why are you trying to control Council elections? What about State or Federal?
October 21, 2016 at 5:03 PM
I can’t see what your problem is. State and Federal elections are not local government and they aren’t supposed to be. I’m all for having councillors who know what they are doing and not learning on the job. I daresay that some councillors who have been on council for 8 years still have to understand the local government act and make sure that it is kept to at meetings. Many of the posts here show that Pilling hasn’t got a clue. I would also want a councillor who has been well versed in money matters and their reporting. That’s another gap in how Glen Eira runs. I’m all for change and councillors who know what and how to do things. I don’t want councillors who sit there and pass everything that is put under their noses and don’t know the right questions to ask. If they are not prepared to undertake such courses then they shouldn’t be councillors.
October 21, 2016 at 12:08 PM
I like the suggestions. Too many people get elected without a clue on local government and finances. Some don’t care and never read budgets or annual reports and vote on what the officers tell them. We’re dealing with millions and millions of dollars and councillors should have a good understanding about what they are doing. I don’t think too many have. If they are genuine and want to serve residents then I don’t see any reason why they can’t undertake to complete a course that would get them up to speed.
October 21, 2016 at 12:38 PM
I think a limit of two consecutive terms would be idea.
This would deter the crazies like Hyams, Pilling and Esocoff from trying to live at the Town Hall.
October 21, 2016 at 5:29 PM
I’ve been putting this for ages.
Two terms is more than adequate to make a difference and it would put an end to people making a career out of municipal office.
The alternative is for us to vote them out after 2 terms. Or earlier if you lack confidence in them
Neither Esakoff, Pllling or Ho got my vote. Two fail on attempting to making a career from municipal office and incompetence and the third on incompetence.
October 21, 2016 at 6:18 PM
I’m all for change, but it has to be change for the better. Like you I’ve put Hyams and Magee last on my voting card. There are some good candidates this time around and they deserve to be elected.
October 21, 2016 at 8:35 PM
https://mobile.twitter.com/mlipshutz.look at his announcement about crrt. Who’s side is he on?
October 21, 2016 at 10:45 PM
Michael Lipshutz @mlipshutz Oct 20
Trustees of the Caulfield Racecourse resigned today. Lets hope the Dept will strike a fair deal with the MRC
October 22, 2016 at 10:32 AM
Councillors should be required to attend PD in order to be skilled on making decisions that are so important and not just follow the direction of administrators. This should be on- going. Clearly they vote on major issues not understanding the impact this will have on residents. Eg planning. Even the President of the United States can only have two terms so should Councillors. Would be good for Council to run meet the candidates forums so residents can make an informed vote. Candidates can write glowing resumes on why we should vote for them.
October 24, 2016 at 10:52 PM
What is going on in the erection? Any results?