WHITTLESEA: Lalor Ward election voided by Tribunal
The Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal has voided the result of last October’s Lalor Ward election at which Stevan Kozmevski (pictured) was declared as the successful candidate for the City of Whittlesea.
The Tribunal said that there was attempted and actual interference in the Lalor Ward election held in the local government elections.
As a result of the VCAT decision, Mr Kozmevski no longer holds the office of Councillor with immediate effect.
VCAT and the VEC have made no suggestion that Mr Kozmevski was involved in the fraud.
“Council thanks Mr Kozmevski for his service to the City of Whittlesea community over many years, across a number of Council terms,” said a written statement.
Elections are conducted by the VEC, and residents enrolled to vote in the Lalor Ward will be required to vote in a by-election.
Residents of the ward are advised to direct enquiries on Council business to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor or the broader Councillor group.
Acting Electoral Commissioner Dana Fleming is asking residents and ratepayers in the Lalor Ward of Whittlesea City Council to be ready to have their say in the upcoming by-election scheduled for August.
This follows the voiding of the election result by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The by-election will be held by post.
“You must be correctly enrolled by the close of roll, which is 4 pm on Wednesday May 21. As this is a postal election, it’s important to check your address details are correct – this includes any alternative postal address,” Ms Fleming said.
“If you’re an Australian citizen living in Lalor Ward and you’ve recently turned 18 or moved, you can enrol or update your details online at vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment.”
There are also additional council enrolment categories for owner ratepayers, occupier ratepayers, company nominees and non-Australian citizens who pay rates. To apply, contact the council at 9217 2170.