MAV Membership Consideration

Finalisation of legal case leaves way open for Latrobe City to rejoin MAV

By Latrobe City Council - 14th March 2002 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council is considering rejoining the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) after a three year absence, following completion of its legal representations seeking equal rating status for RSL gaming venues.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, said that Council had withdrawn its membership of the organisation three years ago, transferring funds saved from annual membership to press a test case on behalf of ratepayers.

Cr Jenkins said Council had approached the MAV in early 1999 to seek legal clarification of the rateability of RSL gaming premises. "Subsequently the MAV surveyed its members and 89.5% of respondents agreed that the gaming premises of RSLs should be rated. 74% agreed that the MAV should make representation to the State Government seeking legislative change on the issue," Cr Jenkins explained.

"Rather than the MAV pursuing the issue as a hypothetical, it was decided that Latrobe City would run a test case, diverting membership fees that would otherwise have been paid to the peak body," Cr Jenkins said.

"A decision handed down in the County Court supported Council’s position that RSL gaming premises should be rated, but the decision was appealed by the RSL and overturned. Council had no intention to appeal the decision to a higher court," Cr Jenkins explained.

"The legal process is now over and ratepayers have not been disadvantaged. While we have not been a member of the MAV over the last three years, Council has continued to be a partner, helping to establish a new structure that will guarantee Gippsland a greater voice in the organisation. At the same time the $90,000 saved by withdrawing membership fees to the MAV, more than covered the legal expenses," Cr Jenkins said.

"As we are now in a position to consider rejoining the MAV, we will give it due consideration, and announce our decision in the not too distant future," Cr Jenkins concluded.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com