A candidate in last October’s Brimbank council elections has had his request for a recount rejected.
Wally Walia appeared at a municipal tribunal in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on December 9 requesting a recount of the Taylors ward result due to the narrowness of his defeat. He finished fourth in the ward by 36 votes.
But Mr Walia was informed on December 23 he had been unsuccessful.
The tribunal determined that because Mr Walia and his sons were present as scrutineers on the night of the count, and did not notice any irregularities, there was no need for a recount.
While disappointed with the decision, Mr Walia has decided not to pursue the matter further.
“I’m very disappointed, but after numerous discussions with my family, I have decided not to take it further,” Mr Walia said. “That’s life unfortunately, and that’s politics.
“I had lots of support from the community to go further, but it was taking up all my time, and would also have required hiring a barrister … I’m not that rich.
“I wish the new council all the best of luck and, hopefully, they do the right thing for the voters and the ratepayers.”
Mr Walia said he will likely contest the next council elections in four years’ time.
“I’ve been in this area for 32 years, so I’m not going anywhere.”
