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San Remo InvestigationThe Minister for Local Government has appointed an Inspector of Municipal Administration to examine allegations over the rezoning of land in San Remo. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 6th July 2009 - Back to News Bass Coast Shire Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, welcomed the appointment.
"We received a letter from the Minister’s office this week, in response to a letter sent by Bass Coast Mayor, Cr John Duscher, in June," explained Mr Bawden.
"We are very pleased at the Minister’s quick response and will assist the Inspector in every way possible with the investigation.
Council passed a motion in May calling on the Minister to investigate allegations made in the South Gippsland Sentinel Times on 28 April and 19 May 2009 and on numerous occasions during 2008, over the rezoning of land in San Remo.
A letter from Cr Duscher, outlined the details of the motion and asked the Minister help resolve the issue.
Mr Bawden said Inspectors of Municipal Administration have extensive powers of investigation.
"An Inspector can require people to produce documents and examine people under oath," explained Mr Bawden.
"There is also provision for a penalty of two years imprisonment if a person fails to comply.
"These powers should help to get to the bottom of these allegations and resolve this matter once and for all," said Mr Bawden.
Council is yet to receive details of the investigation, including when it will start and how it will proceed.
Section 223B of the Local Government Act 1989 sets out the powers of Inspectors of Municipal Administration. For example an Inspector may:
• Examine or investigate any matter relating to a Council’s operations, elections or electoral matters
• Require a person to produce any document in their custody that relates to the matter being investigated and to give all reasonable assistance
• Require a person to appear before the Inspector for examination on oath
• Take possession of any document they consider necessary to the investigation
It is an offence for a person to refuse or fail to comply with a requirement of the Inspector, to give false information, refuse to take an oath or make false or misleading statements.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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