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Wellington Shire Council By-election

Council has no option under the Local Government Act but to hold a by election

By Karen Gregory - 18th June 2002 - Back to News

There will be a by-election in Wellington Shire later this year.

The Minister for Local Government has advised that the Council has no option under the Local Government Act but to hold a by election to fill the vacancy on Council caused by the sad death of Wellington’s first Mayor, Councillor Gordon Cameron, last week.

"Under local government legislation the requirement is that we must hold a by election, even though we fully appreciate that the fixed term served by Councillors comes to a conclusion in March 2003," said Wellington Chief Executive Officer, Lyndon Webb.

"Any person elected to office in September will face another election, along with the rest of the Councillors, in the New Year."

The election will be carried out by the Victorian Electoral Commission on behalf of Council. The VEC has indicated it will establish a base here in Wellington for the purpose of this by-election and for the next State Election.

"This will result in some cost savings for the Wellington by-election," said Mr Webb.

The date is expected to be set by the Governor in Council to the Minister for Local Government next Tuesday (25 June 2002) and is expected to be 7 September, with nominations opening on 2 August and closing on 6 August 2002.

The by-election is expected to be conducted by postal ballot with distribution of ballot papers from 20 August.

Mr Webb said that postal ballot had proved to be an extremely efficient and cost effective method of holding elections in rural Victoria.

"It means that voters, including those who have difficulty accessing traditional-style polling booths can vote from the comfort of their homes by post," he added.


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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