A prominent community advocate and potential council candidate has called on community active Brimbank residents to create an “independent ticket” to curb Labor Party branch stacking and control of council candidates.
John Hedditch, a Sunshine resident of more than 30 years and member of the Save Sunvale group, said branch stacking would corrupt the election process and he would campaign for administrators to remain for another term.
He told Star Weekly he was concerned the future council would be made up of “council candidates that protect self-interest ahead of community interests”.
The council will elect 11 councillors next October.
“We must learn the lessons of the past and not repeat them. Brimbank has to have to have an independent council with minimal influence by outside political interests so it is actually capable of good governance,” he said.
“Given the current ALP branch stacking allegations in The Age … good people in the community should start thinking about putting together an independent ticket to try and overcome this assault on our local democracy.
“If the puppets get into council we’re in deep, deep trouble again.”
Candidate information session
Almost 30 possibles and probables attended the second Councillor Candidate information session at Deer Park’s Sassella Park Community Centre on Monday night.
It attracted curious, long term residents, retirees, community volunteers, a Yarra Trams union delegate and a Deer Park resident formerly connected to an undisclosed political party in New Zealand.
Caroline Springs Labor Party branch treasurer and member of five years Prathap Shetty said Brimbank council was no place for political influence.
“It’s (council) nothing to do with political parties,” he said.
Darryl from Taylors Lakes, a resident since the late 1980s said he was hoping to learn more about the process and “hopefully make a difference”.
“I want to make sure we don’t have the same farce we had in previous years with the so called councils that were supposed to represent us,” he said to near unanimous approval.
Christy from Albion said the council needed to be fully representative of the people.
“Like many of us here we’re really interested in making sure we get the right people who really care about the community,” she said.
Consultant George Nelson said exciting times lay ahead for Brimbank residents.
“I see tremendous opportunity ahead of us,” he said.
Former Brimbank councillors Margaret Guidice and Sam David told the Star Weekly earlier this week they have yet to decide on running for council.
Residents will vote by post on October 22.
